Apple May buy a flash memory specialist

Apple plans to buy an Israeli company specializing in flash memories for 400 to 500 million dollars, reports TechCrunch post information to a local site, Calcalist which does not manufacture any flash memory. Anobit developed a series of algorithms, integrated into controllers, and able to significantly improve the longevity and performance of these memories (MLC type), while reducing costs. In one of its brochures, Anobit said to multiply by 20 the number of cycles of read / write. This is offset by the software limitations of the physical memory MCL (Multi Level Cell) which by their ability to store more information also wear out faster.

Anobit makes no mention of its customers but the Israeli site, the origin of information, indicates that Apple is already working with Anobit, through its providers components for its MacBook Air, iPhone and iPad 4S. In early August, Anobit announced it had sold more than 20 million units of its controller "MSP" (Memory Signal Processing) for smartphones, tablets and media players. She also designs SSD storage solutions for enterprise servers.

If the amount advanced is proved, it would correspond to that Apple paid for NeXT (429 million) in 1996. Anobit has patented its technology - it refers to 95 patents including 21 issued and it was acquired by Apple and would allow it to book this process to his own use. From the Israeli website sources, Anobit has about 200 employees it has subsidiaries in Korea and the United States.

Ultra thin AMD against Intel Ultra books

AMD does not intend to let Intel FUSION, AMD occupy only the category of ultraportable next-generation, Apple holds with the MacBook Air. To the Intel Ultra book, AMD will respond with "Ultrathin" (ultra-fine). End it already employs for its mobile platforms. In an interview with The Australian, the head of the local subsidiary of AMD, Brian Slattery, said that the first line could be unveiled in January. AMD has discussed with various manufacturers to equip their phones and one of them at least would have made good progress on the issue.

Slattery does not give details on the characteristics to be expected. He even suggests that manufacturers would be free on how to use this platform combining processor and Radeon chip. This means potentially heavier laptops with screens larger than what is expected of an ultraportable. It will be recalled that a rumor in mid-November had discussed a merger between Apple and AMD Fusion around the platform, a competitor of that used by Intel in its Ultra book. Apple has declined; worried AMD capabilities to provide the solution in sufficient volumes.

QuickTime, 20 years of digital video - I

On December 2, 1991, Apple gave the world the first version of QuickTime, which triggered a technological revolution. At a time when digital video was completely replaced analogue, it is time to render unto Caesar what is his by right.

We imagine perhaps with difficulty, but without QuickTime, we would not have digital terrestrial TV or Blu-ray in every home, as we know it today.

Testing the iO Alesis Dock

The iO Dock iPad finally arrives resellers of our country, after a presentation at NAMM in January in Las Vegas. To house the tablet with a view to graft the necessary interfaces to the needs of musicians, the iO Dock succeed there to attract these users increasingly demanding? Attempt to answer in the following lines ...

Buying a Mac for Christmas

The holiday season approaching, and with them the traditional gifts. Whether you want a Mac to provide a loved one ... or yourself, here are some tracks. It is all general advice and our favorite heart to guide you, not quick fixes that apply to all - hunting gifts would be less funny if not.

A Mac with less than 800 €? 

If your maximum budget is less than € 800, quite clear limits are needed.