HardMac.com http://www.hardmac.com Bidouille Hardware sur Mac Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:56:51 +0100 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) en This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use. <![CDATA[Seagate Predicts Lack of Plate-based HDs for 2012: Tuth or Strategy to Keep Prices High]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/rUd-0NbrQPc/seagate-predicts-lack-of-plate-based-hds-for-2012-tuth-or-strategy-to-keep-prices-high Seagate announced that the lack of plate-based HDs should remain a problem in 2012, even though improvements should come over the coming months. If we know that Seagate is not really impacted by the massive flooding that affected Thailand end of last year, such announcement might simply be a way to keep the news networks under the impression that there will be a lack of HD in 2012, so that the price will most likely stay high... or artificially high... Would it be possible that HD manufacturers could be using the situation for artificially keeping price up base on a passive/active agreement between them?

Seagate also announced that computer manufacturers are trying to sign long-term contract for securing plate-based HD supplies. In addition, Seagate is also planning to launch auction on batches of HDs, and will start with a test for 200,000 units in the coming weeks...

]]> Seagate announced that the lack of plate-based HDs should remain a problem in 2012, even though improvements should come over the coming months. If we know that Seagate is not really impacted by the massive flooding that affected Thailand end of last year, such announcement might simply be a way to keep the news networks under the impression that there will be a lack of HD in 2012, so that the price will most likely stay high... or artificially high... Would it be possible that HD manufacturers could be using the situation for artificially keeping price up base on a passive/active agreement between them?

Seagate also announced that computer manufacturers are trying to sign long-term contract for securing plate-based HD supplies. In addition, Seagate is also planning to launch auction on batches of HDs, and will start with a test for 200,000 units in the coming weeks...


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30572 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:56:51 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11230&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/03/seagate-predicts-lack-of-plate-based-hds-for-2012-tuth-or-strategy-to-keep-prices-high <![CDATA[Mac OS X 10.7.3: Issues with Auto-Update]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/0H9RKngKJ18/mac-os-x-10-7-3-issues-with-auto-update As with all updates, some people reports issues after completing the installation. As usual we would like to remind you to backup your system priori updating. With Mac OS X 10.7.3, it seems that there is something wrong for a number of users (cause remains unknown) leading to a buggy and unstable system after reboot. To our knowledge, re-applying the Combo 10.7.3 update will fix the problem (as it already did it in the past with previous updates).
If you happen to have a system so instable that you will not be able to download the Combo update on the affected Mac, then get a USB stick, install the update on it using another Mac, then apply it to the unstable unit.

.

]]> As with all updates, some people reports issues after completing the installation. As usual we would like to remind you to backup your system priori updating. With Mac OS X 10.7.3, it seems that there is something wrong for a number of users (cause remains unknown) leading to a buggy and unstable system after reboot. To our knowledge, re-applying the Combo 10.7.3 update will fix the problem (as it already did it in the past with previous updates).
If you happen to have a system so instable that you will not be able to download the Combo update on the affected Mac, then get a USB stick, install the update on it using another Mac, then apply it to the unstable unit.

.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30574 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:59:43 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11229&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/03/mac-os-x-10-7-3-issues-with-auto-update <![CDATA[AMD Predicts True CPU-GPU Fusion for 2014]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/aGVwpe0eyKo/amd-predicts-true-cpu-gpu-fusion-for-2014 The current trend among CPU founders is to add GPU on the CPU die. In fact, this is only aiming to engraved two chips, next to each other, on the same silicon die, as the design of transistor is dramatically different.
AMD wants to go one step further, and announced that by 2012, the CPU and the GPU will be one and unique, while bringing improved performance. A system will be developed to be able to use the CPU or the GPU depending on the most effective chips for completing the task. AMD made this announcement during a meeting dedicated to shareholders and analysts. It is clear that this is also a signal sent to convince people that the company has still potential to be a true competitor for Intel. It already followed this announcement strategy in the past with the APU, GPU and CPU on the same die, but was not able to release such chips before Intel, and only came on the market with almost 2 years behind its best enemy.

]]> The current trend among CPU founders is to add GPU on the CPU die. In fact, this is only aiming to engraved two chips, next to each other, on the same silicon die, as the design of transistor is dramatically different.
AMD wants to go one step further, and announced that by 2012, the CPU and the GPU will be one and unique, while bringing improved performance. A system will be developed to be able to use the CPU or the GPU depending on the most effective chips for completing the task. AMD made this announcement during a meeting dedicated to shareholders and analysts. It is clear that this is also a signal sent to convince people that the company has still potential to be a true competitor for Intel. It already followed this announcement strategy in the past with the APU, GPU and CPU on the same die, but was not able to release such chips before Intel, and only came on the market with almost 2 years behind its best enemy.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30578 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11223&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/03/amd-predicts-true-cpu-gpu-fusion-for-2014 <![CDATA[Avid on iPad]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/uKcC8DsatzA/avid-on-ipad Avid is a well known company and competitor for Apple, especially after the release of the first version of Final Cut Pro X, the video community was so disappointed that some major editing companies left Apple for Avid. Avid decided to push the battle further by offering a video editing solution on the iPad. 

Its name, Avid Studio, relatively powerful, it is available for 3.99 euros. This is probably a sort of legal Trojan, aiming to show users how video solution from Avid are competitive and can be better than the one available from Apple.

]]> Avid is a well known company and competitor for Apple, especially after the release of the first version of Final Cut Pro X, the video community was so disappointed that some major editing companies left Apple for Avid. Avid decided to push the battle further by offering a video editing solution on the iPad. 

Its name, Avid Studio, relatively powerful, it is available for 3.99 euros. This is probably a sort of legal Trojan, aiming to show users how video solution from Avid are competitive and can be better than the one available from Apple.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30576 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11222&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/03/avid-on-ipad <![CDATA[Warning: Security Update 10.6.8 Blocks Some Rosetta Functions]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/RiMshW5laqU/warning-security-update-10-6-8-blocks-some-rosetta-functions Apple release yesterday a security update 10.6.8. If you are using Rosetta, and especially for printing documents, such as Office 2004, for some unknown reason the security update will block this function. Let's hope that Apple will release an update to fix this rather annoying bug for some users.

]]> Apple release yesterday a security update 10.6.8. If you are using Rosetta, and especially for printing documents, such as Office 2004, for some unknown reason the security update will block this function. Let's hope that Apple will release an update to fix this rather annoying bug for some users.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30570 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:05:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11221&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/03/warning-security-update-10-6-8-blocks-some-rosetta-functions <![CDATA[Becnhmarks from an Ivy-Bridge CPU]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/L_DqTv7KlHY/becnhmarks-from-an-ivy-bridge-cpu The website OBR-Hardware published benchmarking figures of a Ivy-Bridge Core i7 3770K CPU, the high-end CPU of the first wave of Ivy-Bridge to be launched by Intel and compared it to the current Core i7 2700K Sandy-Bridge.

As you can see it, the new CPU is around 9% faster in average, with all benchmarking procedures, while its clock speed is only marginally higher 3%. Of course we could have expected more, but we should remember that the main innovation with the Ivy-Bridge is the 3D engraving at 22-nm. It will allow higher clock speed and lower power consumption (higher frequency in the coming months too).
Last but not least, those figures are only for the CPU part of the processor, the graphical performance will be most likely tested later on in more details, but from already available figures, it is much more powerful than the one found in current Sandy-Bridge.

.

]]> The website OBR-Hardware published benchmarking figures of a Ivy-Bridge Core i7 3770K CPU, the high-end CPU of the first wave of Ivy-Bridge to be launched by Intel and compared it to the current Core i7 2700K Sandy-Bridge.

As you can see it, the new CPU is around 9% faster in average, with all benchmarking procedures, while its clock speed is only marginally higher 3%. Of course we could have expected more, but we should remember that the main innovation with the Ivy-Bridge is the 3D engraving at 22-nm. It will allow higher clock speed and lower power consumption (higher frequency in the coming months too).
Last but not least, those figures are only for the CPU part of the processor, the graphical performance will be most likely tested later on in more details, but from already available figures, it is much more powerful than the one found in current Sandy-Bridge.

.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30564 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:04:17 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11220&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/02/becnhmarks-from-an-ivy-bridge-cpu <![CDATA[iPhone: A Hit for Apple]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/OI4XnYXRjU0/iphone-a-hit-for-apple IDC just published figures of its study on mobile phone sales for the last quarter. It confirms that Apple is back thanks to the iPhone 4S, and shows the most impressive year-over year change in percentage.

idg iphone Q4 2011

Apple becomes the world third mobile phone manufacturer for the last quarter and overall 2011. This is for all type on mobile phone units, figures would be different for Smartphone, where Apple would be first or second, depending on analysts, fighting with Samsung for the crone.

]]> IDC just published figures of its study on mobile phone sales for the last quarter. It confirms that Apple is back thanks to the iPhone 4S, and shows the most impressive year-over year change in percentage.

idg iphone Q4 2011

Apple becomes the world third mobile phone manufacturer for the last quarter and overall 2011. This is for all type on mobile phone units, figures would be different for Smartphone, where Apple would be first or second, depending on analysts, fighting with Samsung for the crone.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30568 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:23:15 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11218&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/02/iphone-a-hit-for-apple <![CDATA[Ebizcuss vs. Apple: David vs. Goliath Fight of APRs in Europe]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/B2u4t2wBwBI/ebizcuss-vs-apple-david-vs-goliath-fight-of-aprs-in-europe We obtained information regarding the on-going dispute between Ebizcuss (iCLG), largest APR in France, and Apple. 
Ebizcuss filed a complain against Apple at the Business court, on the topic of non-delivery of of devices and hardware models, especially the most popular ones. The court rules out that it was not competent to judge this dispute and requested both parties meet to solve the on-going fight. Legal representatives from both sides met in London couple of days ago, but did not resolve the issue, as for Apple there is no problem with APR...

On the legal aspect, Ebizcuss decided to sue Apple for its business practices (more broad complain), at the Business Court of Paris, while bringing the case to the European customer Council with the support of other French and European APRs. As a reminder, this is the Council that fined Intel and Microsoft couples of months and years ago (part of the European Commission). The maximum fine is 10% of the company yearly revenues.

In summary, it seems that we have reached a point of no return between Apple and its main historical APR network in Europe, even though small APRs will never openly complain too loudly. The network of Apple Retail Stores starts to develop further in Europe, ruining investments made by some local APRs when entering in competition in the same geographical locations. In addition, Apple has put on hold the installation of additional ARPs in all European large and mid-size cities, most likely to avoid frontal fight with APRs as the company plans to move full steam to develop its retail network in Europe. Decision from the European Commission on Apple practices might be the last move of the largest APRs before they drop weapons if Apple wins. If the EC fines Apple, it will be a huge victory and Apple would be forced to change its strategy and the way it intends to deal wit hits historical network of resellers, the one that has supported sales of Apple products during the dark years.

]]> We obtained information regarding the on-going dispute between Ebizcuss (iCLG), largest APR in France, and Apple. 
Ebizcuss filed a complain against Apple at the Business court, on the topic of non-delivery of of devices and hardware models, especially the most popular ones. The court rules out that it was not competent to judge this dispute and requested both parties meet to solve the on-going fight. Legal representatives from both sides met in London couple of days ago, but did not resolve the issue, as for Apple there is no problem with APR...

On the legal aspect, Ebizcuss decided to sue Apple for its business practices (more broad complain), at the Business Court of Paris, while bringing the case to the European customer Council with the support of other French and European APRs. As a reminder, this is the Council that fined Intel and Microsoft couples of months and years ago (part of the European Commission). The maximum fine is 10% of the company yearly revenues.

In summary, it seems that we have reached a point of no return between Apple and its main historical APR network in Europe, even though small APRs will never openly complain too loudly. The network of Apple Retail Stores starts to develop further in Europe, ruining investments made by some local APRs when entering in competition in the same geographical locations. In addition, Apple has put on hold the installation of additional ARPs in all European large and mid-size cities, most likely to avoid frontal fight with APRs as the company plans to move full steam to develop its retail network in Europe. Decision from the European Commission on Apple practices might be the last move of the largest APRs before they drop weapons if Apple wins. If the EC fines Apple, it will be a huge victory and Apple would be forced to change its strategy and the way it intends to deal wit hits historical network of resellers, the one that has supported sales of Apple products during the dark years.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30510 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:18:52 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11217&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/01/ebizcuss-vs-apple-david-vs-goliath-fight-of-aprs-in-europe <![CDATA[Radeon HD 7950: A Star Is Born]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/IvCtwN5aFlo/radeon-hd-7950-a-star-is-born End of 2011, AMD unveiled the Radeon HD 7970, first graphic card engraved at 28 nm and according to the marketing campaign the fastest mono GPU card in the world.

 

AMD then released the mainstream model aiming to backup the flagship unit, and know as HD 7950. If it has less processing cores, the ratio performance/price is excellent and it brings full muscle for the buck.

 

In addition, it is rather easy to overclock it, and can provide same performance level than its sister HD 7090. Thanks to a lower voltage, the HD 7950 is also a card providing the best performance per watt ratio.

But it might remain too expensive to have it by default in our future Mac Pro, beside as a costy BTO option. We cannot wait to see the new Mac Pro.

AMD then released the mainstream model aiming to backup the flagship unit, and know as HD 7950. If it has less processing cores, the ratio performance/price is excellent and it brings full muscle for the buck.

In addition, it is rather easy to overclock it, and can provide same performance level than its sister HD 7090. Thanks to a lower voltage, the HD 7950 is also a card providing the best performance per watt ratio.

But it might remain too expensive to have it by default in our future Mac Pro, beside as a costy BTO option. We cannot wait to see the new Mac Pro.

]]> End of 2011, AMD unveiled the Radeon HD 7970, first graphic card engraved at 28 nm and according to the marketing campaign the fastest mono GPU card in the world.

 

AMD then released the mainstream model aiming to backup the flagship unit, and know as HD 7950. If it has less processing cores, the ratio performance/price is excellent and it brings full muscle for the buck.

 

In addition, it is rather easy to overclock it, and can provide same performance level than its sister HD 7090. Thanks to a lower voltage, the HD 7950 is also a card providing the best performance per watt ratio.

But it might remain too expensive to have it by default in our future Mac Pro, beside as a costy BTO option. We cannot wait to see the new Mac Pro.

AMD then released the mainstream model aiming to backup the flagship unit, and know as HD 7950. If it has less processing cores, the ratio performance/price is excellent and it brings full muscle for the buck.

In addition, it is rather easy to overclock it, and can provide same performance level than its sister HD 7090. Thanks to a lower voltage, the HD 7950 is also a card providing the best performance per watt ratio.

But it might remain too expensive to have it by default in our future Mac Pro, beside as a costy BTO option. We cannot wait to see the new Mac Pro.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30545 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11216&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/01/radeon-hd-7950-a-star-is-born <![CDATA[Hitachi Starts Shipping 7K4000 HD Units]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/XIQv83TVrLY/hitachi-starts-shipping-7k4000-hd-units Hitachi unveiled its flagship HD model, aka 7K4000 last month. This is the first 3.5" HD of 4 TB storage space spinning at 7,200 rpm.

Available around 400-450 USD, it starts to be available in Japan and in some other countries. Surprisingly it is composed of 5 plates of 800 GB instead of the expected 4 x 1 GB. This difference will most likely generate higher heat release as well as power consumption. This choice might have been driven by the need of 1 GB plates for producing 3 TB HD based on 3 plates. It might evolve in the future, and Hitachi might silently evolve to the expected 4 x 1 TB when production of all type of HD will be back to normal.

]]> Hitachi unveiled its flagship HD model, aka 7K4000 last month. This is the first 3.5" HD of 4 TB storage space spinning at 7,200 rpm.

Available around 400-450 USD, it starts to be available in Japan and in some other countries. Surprisingly it is composed of 5 plates of 800 GB instead of the expected 4 x 1 GB. This difference will most likely generate higher heat release as well as power consumption. This choice might have been driven by the need of 1 GB plates for producing 3 TB HD based on 3 plates. It might evolve in the future, and Hitachi might silently evolve to the expected 4 x 1 TB when production of all type of HD will be back to normal.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30543 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11215&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/02/01/hitachi-starts-shipping-7k4000-hd-units <![CDATA[Major Update for Final Cut Pro X: Apple Listened to Pro Video Community]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/BZD5fMFjtss/major-update-for-final-cut-pro-x-apple-listened-to-pro-video-community When Apple released the new version of its Pro-dedicated video editing solution, aka Final Cut Pro X, professionals as well as reviewers were surprised and critics unanimous to point out that this version was lacking most of the Pro features that made the success of the previous versions. At the same time, Apple removed Final Cut Server and Final Cut Express applications from its online and physical stores. As a consequence, several video Pro companies have been either expressing their surprise and resentments, while other announced to drop Final cut Pro  to move back to Avid video editing solutions. 

It seems that such reactions drove Apple back to the lab and to reconsider its work. At the same time the company sent its product specialists out into the video editing community to have more detailed feedbacks, get a clear picture of the reactions and to reassure customers that Apple would bring back some of the most needed features and is committed to support the Pro video community. 

With the release of FCP X 10.0.3, Apple just surprised again (positively) the entire editing community by bringing back everything that was expected and even more. Many users who abandoned FCP X might want to reconsider or feel they might have made an unfortunate hasty move.

More on this topic from the excellent article from http://www.macworld.com

]]> When Apple released the new version of its Pro-dedicated video editing solution, aka Final Cut Pro X, professionals as well as reviewers were surprised and critics unanimous to point out that this version was lacking most of the Pro features that made the success of the previous versions. At the same time, Apple removed Final Cut Server and Final Cut Express applications from its online and physical stores. As a consequence, several video Pro companies have been either expressing their surprise and resentments, while other announced to drop Final cut Pro  to move back to Avid video editing solutions. 

It seems that such reactions drove Apple back to the lab and to reconsider its work. At the same time the company sent its product specialists out into the video editing community to have more detailed feedbacks, get a clear picture of the reactions and to reassure customers that Apple would bring back some of the most needed features and is committed to support the Pro video community. 

With the release of FCP X 10.0.3, Apple just surprised again (positively) the entire editing community by bringing back everything that was expected and even more. Many users who abandoned FCP X might want to reconsider or feel they might have made an unfortunate hasty move.

More on this topic from the excellent article from http://www.macworld.com


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30539 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:26:30 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11212&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/31/major-update-for-final-cut-pro-x-apple-listened-to-pro-video-community <![CDATA[European Commission to Investigate Samsung's Potential Rights Abuses in its Lawsuites Against Apple]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/Sn7DObElcYU/european-commission-to-investigate-samsung-s-potential-rights-abuses-in-its-lawsuites-against-apple You probably know that for competing against Apple, Samsung has been launching new products as well as lawsuits targeting Cupertino giant, based on patent-infringement around mobile phone technologies. The current dispute between both companies is related to royalties that Apple claimed to have already paid, as already included in the price of GSM chips purchased from supplier, and that Samsung is using some of its patents to try to build a monopoly and prevent competition.

As a consequence of the very aggressive move of Samsung on the legal field, the European Commission decided to investigate the strategy and lawsuits launched by the Korean company. In summary, the EC probes Samsung over possible patent rights abuses, and more extensively will launch an antitrust investigation into Samsung. This is a major hit for Samsung and might end up in a huge fine... remember Microsoft and Intel had to pay nearly 1 billion Euros or more...

]]> You probably know that for competing against Apple, Samsung has been launching new products as well as lawsuits targeting Cupertino giant, based on patent-infringement around mobile phone technologies. The current dispute between both companies is related to royalties that Apple claimed to have already paid, as already included in the price of GSM chips purchased from supplier, and that Samsung is using some of its patents to try to build a monopoly and prevent competition.

As a consequence of the very aggressive move of Samsung on the legal field, the European Commission decided to investigate the strategy and lawsuits launched by the Korean company. In summary, the EC probes Samsung over possible patent rights abuses, and more extensively will launch an antitrust investigation into Samsung. This is a major hit for Samsung and might end up in a huge fine... remember Microsoft and Intel had to pay nearly 1 billion Euros or more...


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30537 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:19:01 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11211&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/31/european-commission-to-investigate-samsung-s-potential-rights-abuses-in-its-lawsuites-against-apple <![CDATA[Airport Utility 6.0 and 802.11n Firmware Update]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/Ek-NVEaHkJg/airport-utility-6-0-and-802-11n-firmware-update Apple updated Airport Utility to version 6.0.

It offers an iOS like presentation and helps to track number and type of peripheral connected. AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule Firmware Update 7.6.1 has also be released. this update is supposed to fix a wireless performance issue with iCloud:

This update is for all 802.11n AirPort Express, 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule models. It fixes an issue with wireless performance and provides support for remote access to an AirPort disk or a Time Capsule hard drive with an iCloud account.

]]> Apple updated Airport Utility to version 6.0.

It offers an iOS like presentation and helps to track number and type of peripheral connected. AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule Firmware Update 7.6.1 has also be released. this update is supposed to fix a wireless performance issue with iCloud:

This update is for all 802.11n AirPort Express, 802.11n AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule models. It fixes an issue with wireless performance and provides support for remote access to an AirPort disk or a Time Capsule hard drive with an iCloud account.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30533 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:39:44 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11210&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/31/airport-utility-6-0-and-802-11n-firmware-update <![CDATA[VLC 2.0 for MacOS X Almost Gold]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/m736L8B5A3g/vlc-2-0-for-macos-x-almost-gold VLC 2.0 will be released soon. A release candidate RC1 can already be downloaded. Jean-Baptiste is quickly commenting on it.

 

The future version of VLC, aka TwoFlower or 2.0, brings numerous improvement and modifications specific to Mac OS X. Thanks to the effort of Felix and numerous coder and designer, the team was able to continue the development of VLC on Mac OS X. If several bugs will remain to be fixed, the future new version will bring a lot of new features:

  • New Interface
    The most obvious difference with TwoFlower will be the new interface. This is a single window design to stick with current Mac OS X standard. Two colors will be available, black one for the Mac OS X style and gray for the Lion style. With Mac OS X 10.7, it will be possible to select between the classic full screen mode of VLC and the Lion full screen mode.
    The audio and video filters are now available from the HUD.

  • Extensions
    Supports for new windows and features such as integration of IMDB, Wikipedia, OpenSubtitles and others.

  • Peripherals
    So far on Mac OS X, it was only possible to use the integrated webcam as a video source. With VLC 2.0, generic support for QKit peripherals has been added for audio (QTSound) and for video (QTCapture). It will allou to view and stream USB or FireWire external webcams, as well as microphones DVB and SDI cards.
    Regarding Blu-ray support, VLC 2.0 allows to access files on non-encoded media for Linux and Windows. It could be ported to Mac OS X. For encrypted media, the libaacs library is NOT ported to Mac OS X yet, if anyone want to contribute, you are welcome!

  • Codecs
    The MacOS X version of VLC 2.0 will benefit from the same support and availability than the other platforms. The main new feature will be the support for multithreading deciding, bringing access to the power sitting in multicore hardware models running Mac OS X. New codecs are supported: ProRes, AVC/Intra,  codecs 10bits and some version of WMV. Support for MKV and MOV have been dramatically improved. GPU-based decoding on Mac OS X, is not ready to be release immediately, it will come later on.

  • Video output
    The video output in Open GL has been modified, simplified and improved. Subtitles are now rendered according to the size of the displayed window, independently of the source and fully implemented in Open GL. This process improves quality and sharpness of subtitles.

  • Support for OS X and PowerPC
    This version 2.0 is compatible with Leopard, Snow Leopard and Lion.
    The 64-bits version is the priority version for Snow Leopard and Lion, as it is the only one providing native full screen support on Lion. The 32-bits version also works on Leopard.
    There is still a PPC version for Leopard, only tested on G5 hardware. It also allows multhreading decoding in HD format, however, it is possible that the next major evolution of VLC will not be supporting PPC-based hardware.

  • The future
    Several options are currently discussed: complete the work on the interface, get prepared to fix the bug to be identified with the first version, work on the Blu-ray support as it remains too weak/basic, add GPU-based decoding, migrate the license from VLCKit to LGPL in order to give freedom to develop non-GPL applications on the top of the VLC engine.

You can download one of the Mac OS X version from the following url:

http://download.videolan.org/pub/testing/vlc-2.0.0-rc1/macosx/

The future version of VLC, aka TwoFlower or 2.0, brings numerous improvement and modifications specific to Mac OS X. Thanks to the effort of Felix and numerous coder and designer, the team was able to continue the development of VLC on Mac OS X. If several bugs will remain to be fixed, the future new version will bring a lot of new features:

  • New Interface
    The most obvious difference with TwoFlower will be the new interface. This is a single window design to stick with current Mac OS X standard. Two colors will be available, black one for the Mac OS X style and gray for the Lion style. With Mac OS X 10.7, it will be possible to select between the classic full screen mode of VLC and the Lion full screen mode.
    The audio and video filters are now available from the HUD.
  • Extensions
    Supports for new windows and features such as integration of IMDB, Wikipedia, OpenSubtitles and others.
  • Peripherals
    So far on Mac OS X, it was only possible to use the integrated webcam as a video source. With VLC 2.0, generic support for QKit peripherals has been added for audio (QTSound) and for video (QTCapture). It will allou to view and stream USB or FireWire external webcams, as well as microphones DVB and SDI cards.
    Regarding Blu-ray support, VLC 2.0 allows to access files on non-encoded media for Linux and Windows. It could be ported to Mac OS X. For encrypted media, the libaacs library is NOT ported to Mac OS X yet, if anyone want to contribute, you are welcome!
  • Codecs
    The MacOS X version of VLC 2.0 will benefit from the same support and availability than the other platforms. The main new feature will be the support for multithreading deciding, bringing access to the power sitting in multicore hardware models running Mac OS X. New codecs are supported: ProRes, AVC/Intra,  codecs 10bits and some version of WMV. Support for MKV and MOV have been dramatically improved. GPU-based decoding on Mac OS X, is not ready to be release immediately, it will come later on.
  • Video output
    The video output in Open GL has been modified, simplified and improved. Subtitles are now rendered according to the size of the displayed window, independently of the source and fully implemented in Open GL. This process improves quality and sharpness of subtitles.
  • Support for OS X and PowerPC
    This version 2.0 is compatible with Leopard, Snow Leopard and Lion.
    The 64-bits version is the priority version for Snow Leopard and Lion, as it is the only one providing native full screen support on Lion. The 32-bits version also works on Leopard.
    There is still a PPC version for Leopard, only tested on G5 hardware. It also allows multhreading decoding in HD format, however, it is possible that the next major evolution of VLC will not be supporting PPC-based hardware.
  • The future
    Several options are currently discussed: complete the work on the interface, get prepared to fix the bug to be identified with the first version, work on the Blu-ray support as it remains too weak/basic, add GPU-based decoding, migrate the license from VLCKit to LGPL in order to give freedom to develop non-GPL applications on the top of the VLC engine.

You can download one of the Mac OS X version from the following url:

]]> VLC 2.0 will be released soon. A release candidate RC1 can already be downloaded. Jean-Baptiste is quickly commenting on it.

 

The future version of VLC, aka TwoFlower or 2.0, brings numerous improvement and modifications specific to Mac OS X. Thanks to the effort of Felix and numerous coder and designer, the team was able to continue the development of VLC on Mac OS X. If several bugs will remain to be fixed, the future new version will bring a lot of new features:

  • New Interface
    The most obvious difference with TwoFlower will be the new interface. This is a single window design to stick with current Mac OS X standard. Two colors will be available, black one for the Mac OS X style and gray for the Lion style. With Mac OS X 10.7, it will be possible to select between the classic full screen mode of VLC and the Lion full screen mode.
    The audio and video filters are now available from the HUD.

  • Extensions
    Supports for new windows and features such as integration of IMDB, Wikipedia, OpenSubtitles and others.

  • Peripherals
    So far on Mac OS X, it was only possible to use the integrated webcam as a video source. With VLC 2.0, generic support for QKit peripherals has been added for audio (QTSound) and for video (QTCapture). It will allou to view and stream USB or FireWire external webcams, as well as microphones DVB and SDI cards.
    Regarding Blu-ray support, VLC 2.0 allows to access files on non-encoded media for Linux and Windows. It could be ported to Mac OS X. For encrypted media, the libaacs library is NOT ported to Mac OS X yet, if anyone want to contribute, you are welcome!

  • Codecs
    The MacOS X version of VLC 2.0 will benefit from the same support and availability than the other platforms. The main new feature will be the support for multithreading deciding, bringing access to the power sitting in multicore hardware models running Mac OS X. New codecs are supported: ProRes, AVC/Intra,  codecs 10bits and some version of WMV. Support for MKV and MOV have been dramatically improved. GPU-based decoding on Mac OS X, is not ready to be release immediately, it will come later on.

  • Video output
    The video output in Open GL has been modified, simplified and improved. Subtitles are now rendered according to the size of the displayed window, independently of the source and fully implemented in Open GL. This process improves quality and sharpness of subtitles.

  • Support for OS X and PowerPC
    This version 2.0 is compatible with Leopard, Snow Leopard and Lion.
    The 64-bits version is the priority version for Snow Leopard and Lion, as it is the only one providing native full screen support on Lion. The 32-bits version also works on Leopard.
    There is still a PPC version for Leopard, only tested on G5 hardware. It also allows multhreading decoding in HD format, however, it is possible that the next major evolution of VLC will not be supporting PPC-based hardware.

  • The future
    Several options are currently discussed: complete the work on the interface, get prepared to fix the bug to be identified with the first version, work on the Blu-ray support as it remains too weak/basic, add GPU-based decoding, migrate the license from VLCKit to LGPL in order to give freedom to develop non-GPL applications on the top of the VLC engine.

You can download one of the Mac OS X version from the following url:

http://download.videolan.org/pub/testing/vlc-2.0.0-rc1/macosx/

The future version of VLC, aka TwoFlower or 2.0, brings numerous improvement and modifications specific to Mac OS X. Thanks to the effort of Felix and numerous coder and designer, the team was able to continue the development of VLC on Mac OS X. If several bugs will remain to be fixed, the future new version will bring a lot of new features:

  • New Interface
    The most obvious difference with TwoFlower will be the new interface. This is a single window design to stick with current Mac OS X standard. Two colors will be available, black one for the Mac OS X style and gray for the Lion style. With Mac OS X 10.7, it will be possible to select between the classic full screen mode of VLC and the Lion full screen mode.
    The audio and video filters are now available from the HUD.
  • Extensions
    Supports for new windows and features such as integration of IMDB, Wikipedia, OpenSubtitles and others.
  • Peripherals
    So far on Mac OS X, it was only possible to use the integrated webcam as a video source. With VLC 2.0, generic support for QKit peripherals has been added for audio (QTSound) and for video (QTCapture). It will allou to view and stream USB or FireWire external webcams, as well as microphones DVB and SDI cards.
    Regarding Blu-ray support, VLC 2.0 allows to access files on non-encoded media for Linux and Windows. It could be ported to Mac OS X. For encrypted media, the libaacs library is NOT ported to Mac OS X yet, if anyone want to contribute, you are welcome!
  • Codecs
    The MacOS X version of VLC 2.0 will benefit from the same support and availability than the other platforms. The main new feature will be the support for multithreading deciding, bringing access to the power sitting in multicore hardware models running Mac OS X. New codecs are supported: ProRes, AVC/Intra,  codecs 10bits and some version of WMV. Support for MKV and MOV have been dramatically improved. GPU-based decoding on Mac OS X, is not ready to be release immediately, it will come later on.
  • Video output
    The video output in Open GL has been modified, simplified and improved. Subtitles are now rendered according to the size of the displayed window, independently of the source and fully implemented in Open GL. This process improves quality and sharpness of subtitles.
  • Support for OS X and PowerPC
    This version 2.0 is compatible with Leopard, Snow Leopard and Lion.
    The 64-bits version is the priority version for Snow Leopard and Lion, as it is the only one providing native full screen support on Lion. The 32-bits version also works on Leopard.
    There is still a PPC version for Leopard, only tested on G5 hardware. It also allows multhreading decoding in HD format, however, it is possible that the next major evolution of VLC will not be supporting PPC-based hardware.
  • The future
    Several options are currently discussed: complete the work on the interface, get prepared to fix the bug to be identified with the first version, work on the Blu-ray support as it remains too weak/basic, add GPU-based decoding, migrate the license from VLCKit to LGPL in order to give freedom to develop non-GPL applications on the top of the VLC engine.

You can download one of the Mac OS X version from the following url:


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30531 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11209&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/31/vlc-2-0-for-macos-x-almost-gold <![CDATA[SanDisk Announced 19 nm Engraved Flash Memory ]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/aInWemSi9S0/sandisk-announced-19-nm-engraved-flash-memory In order to secure their margins on a mid-term roadmap, flash memory manufacturers are forced to massively invest in R&D with the secret hope to unveil a thinner process of manufacturing so it could reduce production cost, as it would allow them to produce more chips on the same wafer.

SanDisk announced to have produced MLC and X3 flash memory chips with a 19 nm engraving process, while most of the high-production lines are currently at 24 nm. The company expects to bring such 19 nm-based products during 2012.
However it remains to be tested and demonstrated that the thinner process does not compromise the lifetime of the memory chips. Indeed, with MLC chips, each new generation with thinner process has seen the number of writing cycles to be reduced significantly when compared to the previous generation.
If the lifetime is reasonable and reliable, especially for X3 chips that OCZ wants to use for its mainstream products, it could bring the price of GB storage below the psychological limit of $1 per GB. It would definitely be the best way to attract more people to SSD and avoid that it remains a storage solution for an elite...

]]> In order to secure their margins on a mid-term roadmap, flash memory manufacturers are forced to massively invest in R&D with the secret hope to unveil a thinner process of manufacturing so it could reduce production cost, as it would allow them to produce more chips on the same wafer.

SanDisk announced to have produced MLC and X3 flash memory chips with a 19 nm engraving process, while most of the high-production lines are currently at 24 nm. The company expects to bring such 19 nm-based products during 2012.
However it remains to be tested and demonstrated that the thinner process does not compromise the lifetime of the memory chips. Indeed, with MLC chips, each new generation with thinner process has seen the number of writing cycles to be reduced significantly when compared to the previous generation.
If the lifetime is reasonable and reliable, especially for X3 chips that OCZ wants to use for its mainstream products, it could bring the price of GB storage below the psychological limit of $1 per GB. It would definitely be the best way to attract more people to SSD and avoid that it remains a storage solution for an elite...


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30525 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11208&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/31/sandisk-announced-19-nm-engraved-flash-memory <![CDATA[Olympic games of Apps]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/jG0jJ-GrXMI/olympic-games-of-apps

BeMyApp launched an interesting initiative we have decided to support:

BeMyApp WeekEnd is a three-day mobile app development competition: App'Olympics. The event’s goal is to be a platform focused on building successful startups around the next generation mobile applications and to foster a global community of entrepreneurs. 
Registered idea generators are given 1 minute to pitch an app concept to a tech audience on day one. Attending engineers anddesigners as well as our team of glorious mentors preselect the best ideas that will be developed into applications during the weekend. Teams are formed around the most promising projects and the competition begins.

he next BeMyApp WeekEnd will be dedicated to all mobile platforms - both native and Web apps - and will take place in 7 cities around the world. 
Each country will nominate its best app to compete in the finals. A 48 hours worldwide vote will be launched and a worldwide winner will be selected. The winner will receive the Gold Medal in Mobile Apps! 
Open registration and more information coming up soon. Stay tuned! 
All applications built during the WeekEnd belong to the participants only.

Expect to find the complimentary skills you’ve been searching for at every other tech event you’ve gone to. Be open, share your ideas and don’t hold back – “Ideas without actions are usually called dreams” 
Expect to meet super talented and inspiring people, to work under time pressure, to sleep little, and to dedicate the whole weekend! 
Expect to gain valuable feedback and insight not only from your teammates but also from other participants and the all-star panel of Judges. 
Expect, apart from seeing your project turning into a shiny demo, to win prizes that will help you get that sexy app out the door.

The next BeMyApp WeekEnd will be dedicated to all mobile platforms - both native and Web apps – and will take place February 24th – 26th in San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Berlin, London and Paris.

 


]]>

BeMyApp launched an interesting initiative we have decided to support:

BeMyApp WeekEnd is a three-day mobile app development competition: App'Olympics. The event’s goal is to be a platform focused on building successful startups around the next generation mobile applications and to foster a global community of entrepreneurs. 
Registered idea generators are given 1 minute to pitch an app concept to a tech audience on day one. Attending engineers anddesigners as well as our team of glorious mentors preselect the best ideas that will be developed into applications during the weekend. Teams are formed around the most promising projects and the competition begins.

he next BeMyApp WeekEnd will be dedicated to all mobile platforms - both native and Web apps - and will take place in 7 cities around the world. 
Each country will nominate its best app to compete in the finals. A 48 hours worldwide vote will be launched and a worldwide winner will be selected. The winner will receive the Gold Medal in Mobile Apps! 
Open registration and more information coming up soon. Stay tuned! 
All applications built during the WeekEnd belong to the participants only.

Expect to find the complimentary skills you’ve been searching for at every other tech event you’ve gone to. Be open, share your ideas and don’t hold back – “Ideas without actions are usually called dreams” 
Expect to meet super talented and inspiring people, to work under time pressure, to sleep little, and to dedicate the whole weekend! 
Expect to gain valuable feedback and insight not only from your teammates but also from other participants and the all-star panel of Judges. 
Expect, apart from seeing your project turning into a shiny demo, to win prizes that will help you get that sexy app out the door.

The next BeMyApp WeekEnd will be dedicated to all mobile platforms - both native and Web apps – and will take place February 24th – 26th in San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Berlin, London and Paris.

 



]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30512 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:21:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11205&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/30/olympic-games-of-apps <![CDATA[Problems with Time Capsule V2: An Update]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/bQoY9cT4ITs/problems-with-time-capsule-v2-an-update We keep receiving reports of issues with Time Capsule second generation units (especially for 1 TB model). In most cases, the failure happens within the first 30 months. If this is really the beginning of a general problem, the number of reports should keep increasing as first models were released in 2009.
Keep in mind that if you purchased your Time Capsule together with a Mac covered by a Extended protection plan, it also applies to your Time Capsule, so you will be covered. As reported by most users, the HD in the faulty TC still works so it can be recovered and data saved or transferred.

We will keep following this story, and would to remind users and Apple, that if the company launched a general recall for the first generation of Time Capsule, it refused to acknowledge the similar issue identified with the Airport Express station.

]]> We keep receiving reports of issues with Time Capsule second generation units (especially for 1 TB model). In most cases, the failure happens within the first 30 months. If this is really the beginning of a general problem, the number of reports should keep increasing as first models were released in 2009.
Keep in mind that if you purchased your Time Capsule together with a Mac covered by a Extended protection plan, it also applies to your Time Capsule, so you will be covered. As reported by most users, the HD in the faulty TC still works so it can be recovered and data saved or transferred.

We will keep following this story, and would to remind users and Apple, that if the company launched a general recall for the first generation of Time Capsule, it refused to acknowledge the similar issue identified with the Airport Express station.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30521 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11207&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/30/problems-with-time-capsule-v2-an-update <![CDATA[Ivy-Bridge Desktop CPUs: Updated List and Earlier Availability ]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/vJqF82Umylg/ivy-bridge-desktop-cpus-updated-list-and-earlier-availability The closer we get to the official release date of the first Ivy-Bridge CPU and the more details are becoming available. Hereafter are the 4 cores CPU (8 threads) dedicated for Desktop computers and that will become available during the first week of April: 

  • Core i7threads-3770K: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3500 MHz with Turbo mode:3900 MHz,
  • Core i7-3770: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3400 MHz with Turbo mode:3900 MHz,
  • Core i7-3770S: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 65W, 3100 MHz with Turbo mode:3900 MHz,
  • Core i7-3770T: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 45W, 2500 MHz with Turbo mode:3700 MHz,
  • Core i5-3570K: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3400 MHz with Turbo mode:3800 MHz,
  • Core i5-3550: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3300 MHz with Turbo mode:3700 MHz,
  • Core i5-3550S: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 65W, 3000 MHz with Turbo mode:3700 MHz,
  • Core i5-3570T: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 45W, 2300 MHz with Turbo mode:3300 MHz,
  • Core i5-3450: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3100 MHz with Turbo mode:3500 MHz,
  • Core i5-3450: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 65W, 2800 MHz with Turbo mode:3500 MHz.

More than enough CPU to create a brand new serie of iMac, we might be:

  • iMac 27" Core i5 at 3.4 GHz with option to Core i7 à 3.5 GHz,
  • iMac 27" Core i5 at 3 GHz,
  • iMac 21,5" core i5 at 3 GHz with option to Core i7 à 3,1 GHz,
  • iMac Core i5 at 2,8 GHz.

It is very likely that such models will quickly be announced as soon as the Ivy-Bridge CPUs become available.

]]> The closer we get to the official release date of the first Ivy-Bridge CPU and the more details are becoming available. Hereafter are the 4 cores CPU (8 threads) dedicated for Desktop computers and that will become available during the first week of April: 

  • Core i7threads-3770K: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3500 MHz with Turbo mode:3900 MHz,
  • Core i7-3770: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3400 MHz with Turbo mode:3900 MHz,
  • Core i7-3770S: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 65W, 3100 MHz with Turbo mode:3900 MHz,
  • Core i7-3770T: 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB of cache, TDP of 45W, 2500 MHz with Turbo mode:3700 MHz,
  • Core i5-3570K: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3400 MHz with Turbo mode:3800 MHz,
  • Core i5-3550: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3300 MHz with Turbo mode:3700 MHz,
  • Core i5-3550S: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 65W, 3000 MHz with Turbo mode:3700 MHz,
  • Core i5-3570T: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 45W, 2300 MHz with Turbo mode:3300 MHz,
  • Core i5-3450: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 77W, 3100 MHz with Turbo mode:3500 MHz,
  • Core i5-3450: 4 cores, 6 MB of cache, TDP of 65W, 2800 MHz with Turbo mode:3500 MHz.

More than enough CPU to create a brand new serie of iMac, we might be:

  • iMac 27" Core i5 at 3.4 GHz with option to Core i7 à 3.5 GHz,
  • iMac 27" Core i5 at 3 GHz,
  • iMac 21,5" core i5 at 3 GHz with option to Core i7 à 3,1 GHz,
  • iMac Core i5 at 2,8 GHz.

It is very likely that such models will quickly be announced as soon as the Ivy-Bridge CPUs become available.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30516 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11204&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/30/ivy-bridge-desktop-cpus-updated-list-and-earlier-availability <![CDATA[Apple Could Dramatically Improve Performance of its Graphic Card Drivers]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/rso2xFtY4qc/apple-could-dramatically-improve-performance-of-its-graphic-card-drivers For years, Apple never really spent time and resources for improving performance levels and quality of its graphic card drivers, and with 3D application, when running benchmarks, we always obtain better results on Windows than on Mac OS X. This was the result of both the lack of interest from Apple and the high marketing need from graphic card manufacturers to optimize their drivers on Windows as performance is a key driver for sales. With many models available from AMD or NVidia, optimized drivers are required; such competition for Mac users, do not really exist (pending you do not flash your graphic card with some hacked ROM).

This gap is even bigger today as illustrated by a report from Phoronix.com. They compared 3D performance of the Intel HD 3000 found in a Mac mini running different version of Mac OS X and Linux, as Intel is now offering Open Source drivers for its integrated graphical chipset.

The first graph clearly shows that Mac OS X 10.7.2 brought a serious improvement for Open GL performance level; however, when running game benchmark, there is no change. More striking, drivers for Linux offer better results in usual resolution settings.
IT is about time for Apple to really improve its drivers, and simply work more with AMD, NVidia and Intel to make its drivers more competitive. The last Open GL3 drivers from Intel supports more functions than the one found in Mac OS X...

]]> For years, Apple never really spent time and resources for improving performance levels and quality of its graphic card drivers, and with 3D application, when running benchmarks, we always obtain better results on Windows than on Mac OS X. This was the result of both the lack of interest from Apple and the high marketing need from graphic card manufacturers to optimize their drivers on Windows as performance is a key driver for sales. With many models available from AMD or NVidia, optimized drivers are required; such competition for Mac users, do not really exist (pending you do not flash your graphic card with some hacked ROM).

This gap is even bigger today as illustrated by a report from Phoronix.com. They compared 3D performance of the Intel HD 3000 found in a Mac mini running different version of Mac OS X and Linux, as Intel is now offering Open Source drivers for its integrated graphical chipset.

The first graph clearly shows that Mac OS X 10.7.2 brought a serious improvement for Open GL performance level; however, when running game benchmark, there is no change. More striking, drivers for Linux offer better results in usual resolution settings.
IT is about time for Apple to really improve its drivers, and simply work more with AMD, NVidia and Intel to make its drivers more competitive. The last Open GL3 drivers from Intel supports more functions than the one found in Mac OS X...


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30508 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:43:11 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11200&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/27/apple-could-dramatically-improve-performance-of-its-graphic-card-drivers <![CDATA[Western Digital Unveiled its First Thunderbolt-based Storage Solution]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/lI6yJgoqqK8/western-digital-unveiled-its-first-thunderbolt-based-storage-solution Western Digital unveiled its first Thunderbolt-based storage solution, built on a dual 3.5" MyBook enclosure. To further benefit from the performance level of the Thunderbolt, both disks are set in a RAID stripping mode (not secured), offering 4 or 6 TB of storage. 

Western Digital did not provide any information regarding availability of this product, nor about price. We can hope and expect that the number of Thunderbolt-based storage solution will bring the price tag down, especially if we consider that today, a single Thunderbolt cable costs 49 euros. Having cable with shorter length might help to reduce the price, but by what margin...

]]> Western Digital unveiled its first Thunderbolt-based storage solution, built on a dual 3.5" MyBook enclosure. To further benefit from the performance level of the Thunderbolt, both disks are set in a RAID stripping mode (not secured), offering 4 or 6 TB of storage. 

Western Digital did not provide any information regarding availability of this product, nor about price. We can hope and expect that the number of Thunderbolt-based storage solution will bring the price tag down, especially if we consider that today, a single Thunderbolt cable costs 49 euros. Having cable with shorter length might help to reduce the price, but by what margin...


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30504 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11199&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/27/western-digital-unveiled-its-first-thunderbolt-based-storage-solution <![CDATA[Trim Enabler 2.0 Released]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/RS1-olxYUDM/trim-enabler-2-0-released The software Trim Enabler allows you to activate the Trim function on non-Apple SDD running Mac OS X.

In addition to enabling Trim, even on Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, this software gives your the ability to check the SMART status and linked parameters of your drives. Not all SSD are supported as some manufacturers do not want to make such details available.

]]> The software Trim Enabler allows you to activate the Trim function on non-Apple SDD running Mac OS X.

In addition to enabling Trim, even on Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, this software gives your the ability to check the SMART status and linked parameters of your drives. Not all SSD are supported as some manufacturers do not want to make such details available.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30492 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:42:50 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11197&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/26/trim-enabler-2-0-released <![CDATA[Towards a Merger Between Elpida, Nanya and Micron]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/5Y2ZxXQgjDU/towards-a-merger-between-elpida-nanya-and-micron About three weeks ago, we were reporting on the rumored on-going discussions among RAM manufacturing companies to concentrate their business, by acquisition or mergers. This could be a way for those companies to better resist to current and future crisis on this market, while improving their R&D capacities. According to the last rumors, there will be serious discussion between  Elpida, Nanya and Micron to work together (merger or joint-venture?). Details are far from being clear and released, but they would need about 1 billion Euro of capital to secure their current financial status. Such project would also imply massive investment in R&D as well as optimizing production plants. 

If this merger occurs, we can be sure that the price of RAM will quickly increase, and as only few companies will be sharing the RAM market, we might have some strange effects on pricing that most anti-monopoly authorities will most likely investigate and follow carefully.

]]> About three weeks ago, we were reporting on the rumored on-going discussions among RAM manufacturing companies to concentrate their business, by acquisition or mergers. This could be a way for those companies to better resist to current and future crisis on this market, while improving their R&D capacities. According to the last rumors, there will be serious discussion between  Elpida, Nanya and Micron to work together (merger or joint-venture?). Details are far from being clear and released, but they would need about 1 billion Euro of capital to secure their current financial status. Such project would also imply massive investment in R&D as well as optimizing production plants. 

If this merger occurs, we can be sure that the price of RAM will quickly increase, and as only few companies will be sharing the RAM market, we might have some strange effects on pricing that most anti-monopoly authorities will most likely investigate and follow carefully.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30476 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11196&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/26/towards-a-merger-between-elpida-nanya-and-micron <![CDATA[Apple Thanks its Employees]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/K8JzPHjErKo/apple-thanks-its-employees Over its history of Apple, employees have had discount on products produced by their company, and this is true in many corporates. Up to now, it was a 25% discount once a year on Apple systems, with the exception in 2007 after the launch of the iPhone 1G, all Apple employees received a 8GB unit.

Today, Tom Cook announced to his team, that they will be granted $500 off on Macs (with the exception of the Mac mini) and $250 off on iPads. This is a rather nice gesture, especially considering the number of employees at Apple, not only at the corporate, but also in retail stores; their numbers growing everyday.

]]> Over its history of Apple, employees have had discount on products produced by their company, and this is true in many corporates. Up to now, it was a 25% discount once a year on Apple systems, with the exception in 2007 after the launch of the iPhone 1G, all Apple employees received a 8GB unit.

Today, Tom Cook announced to his team, that they will be granted $500 off on Macs (with the exception of the Mac mini) and $250 off on iPads. This is a rather nice gesture, especially considering the number of employees at Apple, not only at the corporate, but also in retail stores; their numbers growing everyday.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30506 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11198&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/26/apple-thanks-its-employees <![CDATA[New Rumors on the iPhone 5]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/jaBUa5QeneQ/new-rumors-on-the-iphone-5 9to5mac announced to have obtained reliable information from internal sources about the iPhone 5. Maybe the most important one is that the production seems to be almost ready to start at anytime, so probably linked to the current sales of the iPhone 4S and how competitors are capturing or not marketshares. This would imply that the iPhone 5 might be released less than 1 years after the release of the iPhone 4S. IT should feature a 4" display, but prototypes have different shapes to avoid that leaking information might compromise the secret of the final candidate and its design.

We think that Apple will launch the iPhone 5 if sales of the iPhone 4S drop significantly within the next quarters. Considering the figures reported yesterday, it will be difficult to achieve much better sales within a quarter (especially considering that it was Q4 and Christmas period).

]]> 9to5mac announced to have obtained reliable information from internal sources about the iPhone 5. Maybe the most important one is that the production seems to be almost ready to start at anytime, so probably linked to the current sales of the iPhone 4S and how competitors are capturing or not marketshares. This would imply that the iPhone 5 might be released less than 1 years after the release of the iPhone 4S. IT should feature a 4" display, but prototypes have different shapes to avoid that leaking information might compromise the secret of the final candidate and its design.

We think that Apple will launch the iPhone 5 if sales of the iPhone 4S drop significantly within the next quarters. Considering the figures reported yesterday, it will be difficult to achieve much better sales within a quarter (especially considering that it was Q4 and Christmas period).


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30486 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11195&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/26/new-rumors-on-the-iphone-5 <![CDATA[Problems withTime Capsule V2 - continued]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/h1cLKtC5w2Y/problems-withtime-capsule-v2-continued Following our previous news about the problems face by several owners of Time Capsule 1 TB model released in 2009, we were surprised to receive many additional reports, all indicating failures within the last 2 weeks! Such synced failure might indicate the beginning of a unfortunate serie, but technically it is possible if a component common to all models is faulty, such unit being usually continuously active/on. We can only expect that it will only affect a small number of unit from the 2009 V2 series, otherwise it might be the second major problem recorded for this product over two generation: first, defective power chip on the power board, while for the second generation it does not seem to be the case.

Again, if you have problems with your second generation 1 TB (MB765LL) or other) Time Capsule unit, please write a report in the dedicated forum section of this news.

]]> Following our previous news about the problems face by several owners of Time Capsule 1 TB model released in 2009, we were surprised to receive many additional reports, all indicating failures within the last 2 weeks! Such synced failure might indicate the beginning of a unfortunate serie, but technically it is possible if a component common to all models is faulty, such unit being usually continuously active/on. We can only expect that it will only affect a small number of unit from the 2009 V2 series, otherwise it might be the second major problem recorded for this product over two generation: first, defective power chip on the power board, while for the second generation it does not seem to be the case.

Again, if you have problems with your second generation 1 TB (MB765LL) or other) Time Capsule unit, please write a report in the dedicated forum section of this news.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30480 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:06:55 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11194&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/25/problems-withtime-capsule-v2-continued <![CDATA[Apple Quarterly Revenue and Earnings: Setting a New Record]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/VcUguxE-0AI/apple-quarterly-revenue-and-earnings-setting-a-new-record The company announced its revenue and earnings for the last quarter, setting a new record and posting figures way above analyst expectations:

Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2012 first quarter, which spanned 14 weeks and ended December 31, 2011. The Company posted record quarterly revenue of $46.33 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.06 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $26.74 billion and net quarterly profit of $6 billion, or $6.43 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. “We’re thrilled with our outstanding results and record-breaking sales of iPhones, iPads, and Macs,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Apple’s momentum is incredibly strong, and we have some amazing new products in the pipeline.”

So, quarters after quarters, Apple keeps growing and its success too. If you add to this information that more than half of Verizon Q4 2011 sales for smartphones were iPhone, we can easily understand how Apple can post such impressive numbers: 37.04 million iPhones, 15.43 million iPads, 5.2 million Macs and 15.4 million iPods. The latest are the only category where Apple recorded a decline of sales, and it probably indicates that the market for audio/video only devices is slowly but surely migrating to a phone/audio/video.

 

]]> The company announced its revenue and earnings for the last quarter, setting a new record and posting figures way above analyst expectations:

Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2012 first quarter, which spanned 14 weeks and ended December 31, 2011. The Company posted record quarterly revenue of $46.33 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.06 billion, or $13.87 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $26.74 billion and net quarterly profit of $6 billion, or $6.43 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. “We’re thrilled with our outstanding results and record-breaking sales of iPhones, iPads, and Macs,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Apple’s momentum is incredibly strong, and we have some amazing new products in the pipeline.”

So, quarters after quarters, Apple keeps growing and its success too. If you add to this information that more than half of Verizon Q4 2011 sales for smartphones were iPhone, we can easily understand how Apple can post such impressive numbers: 37.04 million iPhones, 15.43 million iPads, 5.2 million Macs and 15.4 million iPods. The latest are the only category where Apple recorded a decline of sales, and it probably indicates that the market for audio/video only devices is slowly but surely migrating to a phone/audio/video.

 


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30482 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:58:20 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11193&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/25/apple-quarterly-revenue-and-earnings-setting-a-new-record <![CDATA[EFI Update for Mac Model Released in mid-2010]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/UBZjpLx3Wds/efi-update-for-mac-model-released-in-mid-2010 Apple released an EFI update for MacBook 13.3", Mac mini and MacBook released mid-2010. As stated by the website, this update enables Lion Recovery from an Internet connection. For the Mac mini, it also addresses an issue where the setting to restart after a power failure may not be retained.

MacBook (Mid 2010) EFI Firmware Update 2.1

Mac mini (Mid 2010) EFI Firmware Update 1.5

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) EFI Firmware Update 2.5

]]> Apple released an EFI update for MacBook 13.3", Mac mini and MacBook released mid-2010. As stated by the website, this update enables Lion Recovery from an Internet connection. For the Mac mini, it also addresses an issue where the setting to restart after a power failure may not be retained.

MacBook (Mid 2010) EFI Firmware Update 2.1

Mac mini (Mid 2010) EFI Firmware Update 1.5

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) EFI Firmware Update 2.5


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30484 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:41:27 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11192&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/25/efi-update-for-mac-model-released-in-mid-2010 <![CDATA[Sony Unveils a New CMOS image Sensor for Smartphones]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/k7GZ5qRmkMM/sony-unveils-a-new-cmos-image-sensor-for-smartphones If the performance of the iPhone 4S camera is recognized by all, this is linked to an excellent CMOS image sensor from Sony. The company announced to have developed a new generation with highly promising performance levels.

The new generation will have pixels directly connected to the electronics layer (no more supporting substrate), making such sensor thinner. Sony could then add an additional white pixel in the RGB profile:

It really improves the rendering especially in low light, a shooting conditions known to be very difficult for Smartphone cameras. Sony will deliver first samples to its partners (8 MPixels and 13 MPixels) in March, while mass production should start in summer; right on time for the next generation iPhone.

]]> If the performance of the iPhone 4S camera is recognized by all, this is linked to an excellent CMOS image sensor from Sony. The company announced to have developed a new generation with highly promising performance levels.

The new generation will have pixels directly connected to the electronics layer (no more supporting substrate), making such sensor thinner. Sony could then add an additional white pixel in the RGB profile:

It really improves the rendering especially in low light, a shooting conditions known to be very difficult for Smartphone cameras. Sony will deliver first samples to its partners (8 MPixels and 13 MPixels) in March, while mass production should start in summer; right on time for the next generation iPhone.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30458 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:04:30 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11191&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/24/sony-unveils-a-new-cmos-image-sensor-for-smartphones <![CDATA[Infiniband: Intel Acquires QLogic]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/gPjfGW9veas/infiniband-intel-acquires-qlogic Infiniband is the data transfer protocol used in most data center to interconnect computers and storage units. This protocol offers a bandwidth up to 40 Gbits/s and was used in 2004 by VirginiaTech in its G5 cluster.

With the dramatic increase of needs and numbers of data and supercomputing centers, always more powerful, there is a bright future for this protocol. So, it is not really surprising to learn that Intel, one of the main driving forces of Inifiniband, has acquired QLogic, the specialist of Infiniband products.
With this acquisition, Intel wants to strengthen its position and know-how for interconnecting servers, and expects to offer by 2018, supercomputer with the exaflops performance level... in other words about 100 times more than current top notch supercomputers...

]]> Infiniband is the data transfer protocol used in most data center to interconnect computers and storage units. This protocol offers a bandwidth up to 40 Gbits/s and was used in 2004 by VirginiaTech in its G5 cluster.

With the dramatic increase of needs and numbers of data and supercomputing centers, always more powerful, there is a bright future for this protocol. So, it is not really surprising to learn that Intel, one of the main driving forces of Inifiniband, has acquired QLogic, the specialist of Infiniband products.
With this acquisition, Intel wants to strengthen its position and know-how for interconnecting servers, and expects to offer by 2018, supercomputer with the exaflops performance level... in other words about 100 times more than current top notch supercomputers...


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30460 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:54:46 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11190&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/24/infiniband-intel-acquires-qlogic <![CDATA[Apple Would like to Implement the 802.11ac ASAP]]> http://feeds.hardmac.com/~r/hardmac/~3/B3JBBWsozfM/apple-would-like-to-implement-the-802-11ac-asap According to Appleinsider, Apple was very interested by the demo performed by Broadcom at the CES for the new wireless format 802.11 ac, and would be working on a quick implementation in its products.

 

Such interest from Apple is not surprising as the company has also been involved and implementing quickly wireless technologies in its products. On paper, this new format looks very promising, being less power consumer, offering higher data transfer speed and higher resistance to interferences...

 

It should not be so difficult for Apple to implement this technology as only Broadcom products are currently used as wireless components in Apple products. It will require to update controller and drivers, as the remaining circuitry will remain identical.

 

Apple will probably try to synchronized the release of products (notebook and airport station) supporting this new wireless protocol.

 

Interest from Apple is not surprising as the company has also been involved and implementing quickly wireless technologies in its products. On paper, this new format looks very promising, being less power consumer, offering higher data transfer speed and higher resistance to interferences...

It should not be so difficult for Apple to implement this technology as only Broadcom products are currently used as wireless components in Apple products. It will require to update controller and drivers, as the remaining circuitry will remain identical.

Apple will probably try to synchronized the release of products (notebook and airport station) supporting this new wireless protocol.

]]> According to Appleinsider, Apple was very interested by the demo performed by Broadcom at the CES for the new wireless format 802.11 ac, and would be working on a quick implementation in its products.

 

Such interest from Apple is not surprising as the company has also been involved and implementing quickly wireless technologies in its products. On paper, this new format looks very promising, being less power consumer, offering higher data transfer speed and higher resistance to interferences...

 

It should not be so difficult for Apple to implement this technology as only Broadcom products are currently used as wireless components in Apple products. It will require to update controller and drivers, as the remaining circuitry will remain identical.

 

Apple will probably try to synchronized the release of products (notebook and airport station) supporting this new wireless protocol.

 

Interest from Apple is not surprising as the company has also been involved and implementing quickly wireless technologies in its products. On paper, this new format looks very promising, being less power consumer, offering higher data transfer speed and higher resistance to interferences...

It should not be so difficult for Apple to implement this technology as only Broadcom products are currently used as wireless components in Apple products. It will require to update controller and drivers, as the remaining circuitry will remain identical.

Apple will probably try to synchronized the release of products (notebook and airport station) supporting this new wireless protocol.


]]> http://www.hardmac.com_news_30444 lionel@macbidouille.com (Lionel) Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:53:55 +0100 http://forum.hardmac.com/index.php?showtopic=11189&amp;view=getnewpost http://www.hardmac.com/news/2012/01/23/apple-would-like-to-implement-the-802-11ac-asap