Samsung Display is almost ready with high-resolution AMOLED panels for use in computing devices of all shapes and sizes, its family is named "Youm". Shown first to the worl at last year's CES, Youm is ready to be mass-produced, and Samsung Display could open up to orders. It is also possible that Samsung Electronics could work on flagship products that demonstrate the capabilities of Youm. At last year's CES, a 4.5-inch variant of Youm was shown to the public, with 800x480 (WVGA) resolution. The pixel densities have since gone up significantly. Practical applications of Youm are numerous, including high-end ebook readers, augmented reality (AR) devices, and 3D-capable tablet PCs.

Source: Techpowerup

Taiwan's premier semiconductor foundry, TSMC, is reportedly facing an acute shortage in 28 nm manufacturing capacity. This shortage is expected to relax in Q3, 2012, according to sources. Qualcomm, AMD, and NVIDIA are the three biggest patrons of the 28 nm process, Qualcomm uses it to manufacture performance ARM application processors, while AMD and NVIDIA use it for their new generation GPUs. Although launched at the very end of Q4 2011, AMD's HD 7970 shipped a relatively small volume due to low manufacturing capacity. NVIDIA launched only two 28 nm GPUs, the GTX 680, and GT 640M, and has had to delay launch of more models, due to this reason, according to source. Qualcomm, meanwhile, shifted some of its orders to UMC.

Source: Techpowerup

According to an X-Bit Labs source with knowledge of AMD's internal APU release plans, the chip giant is preparing to launch its second-generation 32nm Trinity APU platform for notebooks on Sunday, May 15th. As we reported back in September 2011, Trinity is AMD's second-generation 32nm Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) architecture and is ideal for premium ultrathin notebooks, nettops, HTPCs and other low-voltage and ultra-low voltage form factors. When compared to first-generation 32nm Llano APU performance, Trinity's new Piledriver modular CPU core allows for improved compute performance up to 25-percent. Moreover, the first-generation Lynx desktop platform and Sabine notebook platform for 32nm Llano APUs will be succeeded by the Virgo desktop platform and the Comal notebook platform for 32nm Trinity APUs, respectively. As far as the desktop chips are concerned, Lynx and Virgo platforms should be socket-compatible as the chip packaging is almost the same, even though Trinity APUs will utilize the new Socket FM2. The only difference is that Socket FM1 has one extra pin (905 pins for Llano versus 904 pins for Trinity), but independent sources have already confirmed that Trinity APUs should still be compatible with older FM1 motherboards. At least AMD isn't pulling an Intel (see: Socket LGA 1156 -> Socket LGA 1155 -> Socket LGA 1150, none of which are socket-compatible). The real question is whether or not AMD's notebook Socket FS2 for Trinity APUs will be pin-compatible with the previous Socket FS1 for Llano APUs. Nevertheless, AMD's Trinity APUs for notebooks will feature TDPs of 35W to 45W, and the Ultra-Low Voltage (ULV) models will have TDPs of 17W. The chips will also feature Radeon HD 7000 Series graphics cores with DirectX 11 support, DDR3 memory controllers. AMD has already started mass production on its desktop and notebook lineups of 32nm Trinity APUs as of mid-March and is currently pumping out its desktop A-series Trinity models with 65W TDPs. By early May, it will then begin mass production of desktop A-series Trinity models with 100W TDPs, and of course, will subsequently announce its Trinity notebook APUs for the Comal Socket FS2 platform on May 15th.

Source: Fudzilla

Kingston has announced its new third-generation MobileLite G3 USB 3.0 portable memory card reader. The new compact reader is ideal for both professionals as well as personal use, and is a must buy mobile gear. The card reader is a plug-and-play device; you don’t need to install any driver in order to use it, and also it doesn’t require any power source. The MobileLite G3 supports a wide range of memory cards, including SD/SDHC/SDCX, microSD/SDHC/SDXC and MSPD. It allows you to read or transfer data to memory cards using either USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 host device, no matter if the memory card is being used in digital cameras, tablets, netbooks, mp3 players or in some other gadgets. The card reader complies with USB 3.0 standards, and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 port. When connected to USB 3.0 port, the card takes the advantages of high-speed interconnect, and if it is used with high-speed memory card it can offer data write speed up to 80 Mbps. The new MobileLite G3 USB 3.0 memory card reader will surely be liked by many professionals who shoot high-resolution images or Full HD Videos, allowing them to transfer data to their PC at a lightning-fast speed. The Kingston MobileLite G3 Memory card reader is retailing for $17 in the US, so we can expect it to be launched in India carrying a price tag of Rs. 980 approx.

The ASUS EA-N66 3-in-1 dual band wireless-N900 Gigabit Ethernet adapter is equipped with a unique 3 x 3 patented antenna design, providing users high speed internet access. With selectable dual band operating modes and speeds of up to 450 Mbps per band, the EA-N66 caters to web browsing, smooth HD video streaming, and lag-free online gaming with ease. Using custom patented antenna architecture, the EA-N66 minimizes interference and provides consumers the fastest Gigabit network speeds currently available, enabling access to wide-reaching coverage for internet access anywhere around the home. Operating at 2.4 GHz allows users to download files and browse the web, while the faster and less crowded 5 GHz band handles more demanding tasks such as HD content streaming. The two selectable frequencies therefore optimize performance for the best internet experience. With standard Ethernet cables, users can easily link Ethernet-supporting devices such as desktops, notebooks, multimedia players, or smart TVs via the EA-N66 to start browsing the internet, stream content, or game online without delay. The EA-N66 works in Ethernet adapter, repeater, and access point modes. As an Ethernet adapter, it can quickly connect to a variety of Ethernet-capable devices with wireless support, operating at up to 450 Mbps per band. In repeater mode, the high-powered EA-N66 can rebroadcast signals to extend wireless range if a direct connection cannot be established, offering better coverage for larger residences with special utility in multi-level locations. Users simply need to scan for the strongest Wi-Fi signal and link it to their SSID of choice. As an access point, the EA-N66 works with wired modems and routers, instantly adding wireless support to an existing network. All of these can be activated easily with the ASUS intuitive user interface in a few steps and with no install disc required.

Sony's next-generation PlayStation, reportedly codenamed "Orbis", is known to be powered by an AMD x86-64 CPU with graphics based on its Southern Islands architecture, from the older report. We're now hearing that Sony may implement a multi-GPU solution of its own. According to an IGN.com report, the CPU in question will be a custom-version of AMD's A8-3850 quad-core APU. This should serve as indication that the processor cores will be based on AMD's K10 Stars architecture, rather than K15 Bulldozer/Piledriver. The GPU, on the other hand, will be based on the "Southern Islands" architecture, and the IGN.com report pin points it to resemble Radeon HD 7670. The HD 7670 is a re-branded HD 6670, which is based on the 40 nm "Turks" GPU. Turks uses neither Graphics CoreNext nor VLIW4, but the older VLIW5 number-crunching machinery. The most interesting piece of information here is talk of a multi-GPU configuration between this Turks-based GPU, and the GPU that's embedded into the "Llano" APU. We know that the graphics core embedded into AMD A8-3850, the Radeon HD 6550D, can work in tandem with Radeon HD 6670 to yield an AMD Hybrid CrossFireX configuration called "Radeon HD 6690D2". This could be end up being Sony's graphics weapon of choice.

Source: techpowerup

Google released a YouTube video Wednesday showing the everyday uses of "Project Glass," wrap-around virtual reality glasses with all the qualities of a smartphone – and much more. Google has once again unveiled a project mock-up that, if realized, would turn the technology industry on its head. This time, it’s Project Glass, wrap-around glasses that display reminders, the weather, messages, and more – right in front of the user’s eyes. “A group of us from [Google’s experimental lab, Google X,] started Project Glass to build this kind of technology, one that helps you explore and share your world, putting you back in the moment,” says the Project Glass Google+ page. “We’re sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input.” While Project Glass is only in the first stages of inception, Google employees are already testing the headsets, according to The New York Times. But so far, it’s unclear whether the average consumer will like Google’s futuristic technology. For those who value convenience, Google’s “glasses” will be a must-have. There’s nothing to hold or type, the promotional video shows. All the user has to do is look at or vocalize something to give the headset direction. One quick tap takes a photograph, but that’s the limit of physical controls. “We believe technology should work for you – to be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t,” the video’s caption says. Photographs of Project Glass show that the prototype sits on the face as glasses do, but leaves the eyes unblocked. It looks like Project Glass could turn into a full-fledged product by the end of 2012. Until then, enjoy your smart phones.

Intel will reportedly introduce DDR4 into the market starting first with high end server CPUs. Desktop systems likely won’t see next generation memory until 2015 with new microarchitectures. The publication reports that mainstream Haswell 4-core systems will remain on DDR3 memory as the technology approaches 3000 speed grade. Haswell-EX 4-socket platforms will introduce DDR4 in 2014 which could very well be needed as each of the four processors on a motherboard could have up to 16 cores. DDR4 will bring with it a reduction in operating power, down to 1.2v, as well as improved parity protection and error recovery. These features alone would likely be enough to make some administrators want to upgrade. Both Haswell 22nm and Broadwell 14nm silicon utilize LGA 1150 sockets and as such, DDR3 will be used across both platforms. DDR4 support will likely arrive for desktop systems in 2015 but as the article points out, it’s not likely to matter much. L4 cache in Haswell and Broadwell processors will reside on a very wide low latency internal MCM bus and could function as directly addressable scratchpad memory for GPU use. The extra bandwidth should be extremely useful for the CPU as well. All of this, however, is still a ways out as Intel hasn’t even released Ivy Bridge yet (expected later this month). Ivy Bridge is the code name for Intel’s 22nm die shrink of the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture that will be the first to use Intel’s Tri-Gate transistors.

Source: techspot

AnandTech reports that Apple is secretly developing a project to bring a physical controller to the market, but qualifies this by saying that it's in the early stages and thus may not make it into reality. The plans appear to be a response to Google's introduction of controller support for Android last year, which gave it an edge for those who like to play mobile games but aren't keen on touchscreen controls. Gaming on the iPhone and iPad have become extremely popular over recent months and will likely only grow with the addition of full high-definition displays to the latest iOS devices. Games are also moving away from the purely casual approach of the likes of Angry Birds to full immersive games like the enhanced edition of BioWare's classic RPG Baldur's Gate, which is set to release on the iPad and other platforms this Summer. Of course, part of the success of mobile gaming is its portability, which is somewhat negated by the need to lug around a controller.  Apple might also be inclined to develop a proprietary controller rather than allowing a wide range of existing controllers to work with its devices. The controller might even be reserved as a feature for the next iPad rather than simply adding the functionality into existing tablets.

Source: vr-zone

Intel's upcoming mainstream consumer SSD line, the SSD 330 series, could have attractive pricing, which could catalyze further proliferation of SSD technology, according to a LaptopReviews report, citing tease-listings by online retailers and other sources. The new lineup will embrace SATA rev. 3.0 (6 Gb/s) standard, and offer performance that takes advantage of it. The 120 GB variant of the SSD 330, for example, was listed for US $149, on MacMall.com, the listing is removed. This gives it a price/GB on par with other 120 GB SATA 6 Gb/s SSDs in the market, which underwent several rounds of price-adjustments to get there. The SSD 330 series from Intel, will be available in three capacities, 60 GB, 120 GB, and 180 GB. The 120 GB and 180 GB variants offer sequential transfer-rates of up to 500 MB/s (read) and 450 MB/s (write); the 60 GB variant offers 500 MB/s (read), and 400 MB/s (write). These drives use IMFlash Technologies-made 25 nm MLC NAND flash, and offer standard feature-set that includes support for TRIM, NCQ, 256-bit AES data-encryption, and limited SMART attributes.

Source: Techpowerup