Saturday, October 15, 2016

New PC Industry Consortium to Develop Next-Gen Memory Interconnect


gen z
Computing industry is going through rapid phase of development and revolution wherein computing ability is being improved by thirty percent with each passing decade. But the major problem faced by the computing industry is ‘memory’ expansion which has caused a huge strain on the semiconductor segment. DRAM happens to be driving relatively each and every segment of the computing based market which comprises of not just the Smartphone, personal computers, laptops and supercomputers but also the memory device segment.

Over the past few years memory devices have gained transaction and popularity among the consumers which had turned them into a dominant force which is actively giving stiff competition to the traditional computing market. A new computing industry consortium has come into being with prominent partners across the industry and this consortium has been dubbed as Gen-Z. Gen-Z aim is to develop a new memory interface which can help in tying various components together in a single entity for better profit and value to the end users.

Problems to solve for Gen-Z

Currently it is not possible to scale up the DRAM performance without resulting into unwanted issues later on. The major reason for this problem is associated to the theory that the amount of bandwidth which is made available to each core of the DRAM usually decreases which limits the performance of the DRAM. Even choosing different robust component will not help in stooping the subsequent decrease in the amount of bandwidth available to each core which simply goes down.

Gen-Z brings an elegant solution to this problem

Instead of spending time towards increasing the fundamental functional limit of the DRAM; Gen-Z wishes to increase the performance level of the next generation memory solution which can easily tap into emerging new kind of memory. Currently we measure the type of storage into HDD and SSD but in upcoming future with Gen-Z progression we will have High-Bandwidth Memory (HMB), Managed DRAM and Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC) ready for active adoption.

Gen-Z will not just empower the progression in the field of memory storage for computing purposes but it will create a memory semantic fabric possessing to ability to handle communication at the sub-microsecond latencies.

Gen-Z future prospects and goals

As stated earlier Gen Z aims towards creating an attached ecosystem for wide variety of computing products into a single open standard which will possess the ability to support sub-100ns load-to-use capability. Gen-Z gets backing from the prominent players in the tech industry which includes Dell, AMD, Braodcom, Samsung, HP, ARM, Micron and others. So far Intel has stayed away from Gen-Z and it is not a good sign for the success of this venture as Intel

commands a whopping 98% of the server and enterprise markets. Therefore it is necessary that Intel plays a active role in this venture which will enable Gen-Z to create new memory standards that can be compatible with the modern computing needs. Furthermore Cisco has remained aloof from the Gen-Z but it will not thwart the ambitious attempts of this venture.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build for PC and Mobile


 Windows 10 Insider Preview

Microsoft Windows 10 made its debut a year ago where it promised free up gradation to all the computer system around the world either running on Windows 7 or 8 OS. At that time Microsoft even brought its own Insider build program wherein users used to get previews of new features and functionalities in order to improve the overall experience of new operating system. At present Microsoft has decided to kill the old Windows 10 Insider builds for once and all to put an end to this great system. In a post released online Microsoft official has made it clear that all the older Insider Preview build will simply stop working from 15th October.

Rebooting issue will resolved

A number of users have complained about their PC rebooting after every three hours since October 1. Therefore Microsoft has taken the decision to put all old Windows insider build out of action which will help in resolving the booting issue. But removing support from older builds will make them redundant which means PC will not boot up. So users will have to reinstall Windows either from the USB or DVD drive in order to get the computer system working again. A simple typing search into the Cortana search box will help you in checking the status of your old Insider Preview build.

How to check the status of the Windows Preview Build

Open up the Run Dialogue box then type winver.exe and press enter key on the keyboard. A small will appear on the screen showcasing the expiry date for your particular Windows Preview Build. If expiry doesn’t appear on the screen then simply note down the ‘OS Build’ number and check it out in the list provided on the Microsoft’s help forums which specially lists down the expiry dates for every Insider build.
How to install new Insider build version

This isn’t the first time Microsoft is expiring the older Insider builds. Furthermore updating to newer version of build is relatively simple and easy as users are simply required to go to the Setting app followed by Update & Security and finally give a click on Windows Update. Now give a click on the Check for Updates button and it will help in downloading the latest build for your computer.

Currently the Fast ring build no 14396 is the latest Windows 10 build which was launched on September 28th. This update for Windows 10 is dubbed as Redstone 2 which brings a variety of tweaks to the OS. Windows users will be able to hide app list on the Start Menu along with improved navigation in the Photos app, new Windows Update icon and improved gesture and click detection on touchpad. It also brought new Edge extensions and a number of general improvements and fixes have been made in the area of Narrator, app notification and personalization. Even this build also has a number of issues as it a Preview build and Redstone is expected to launch a year later in 2017.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Five Ways to Save Money when Buying Apple Goodies!


As everyone knows, buying any Apple product is going to take a big dent out of your pocket, but if you are a die-hard fan, there is not much you can do but grin and pay up. Class costs money. However, there some ways you can still buy the products and not have to spend every last cent you have. Follow our guide below on how to save money on Apple Gear:

1. Apple Storage Tips

Apple prices each iPhone, iPad and iPad Touch $100 or so more than each bigger one depending on the storage capacity – 16GB, 64GB or 128GB. So work out your storage needs before you buy so you are not caught short and have to lay out money for larger storage capacity down the line. And the Macs are the same – prices increase the bigger they get. If you have a 16GB iPhone and are using up to75% of that, then you need to think about getting 64GB one instead. Rather buy the bigger one first time round.

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2. Use Apple Coupon Codes Refurbished Apple products can also be picked at good prices with the use of Coupons. Apple itself rarely has sales or discounts, but coupons are also available on last year’s editions of their products. The minute a new model hits the stores, the older one drops significantly in price and you can pick it up for a steal with coupons. Students and teachers in the Education sector can always pick up a iPhone or MacBook at an education discount. All orders over $50 will qualify for free shipping, or the products can be collected at any Apple Store.

3. Selling your Current Apple Product

Don’t forget that if you want to sell your present iPhone or MacBook, it is worth quite a bit of money – anything with Apple hardware is worth good money. Instead of throwing it into a box in your garage, browse the internet and see what you can get for selling it on a bidding website or other Used Goods websites. And some companies buy old equipment. And finally, Apple sometime have a trade-in day where you can trade in or exchange your old product for a certain amount or a discount on a newer version.

4. Consider Refurbished Apple Equipment

Apple also sell reconditioned Macs and iPads, so you don’t always have to buy brand new – if it is Apple, you know it is trustworthy. You might also pick up some good deals on last year’s products. And just because it is ‘second hand’ it does not mean it is cheap! Because Apple quality lasts for a lifetime, you will still get things in tip top condition, but at a better price than a new one.

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5. Apple Warranty

Wherever you purchased your Apple product – store, second hand or refurbished, the warranty does with it. The 3 year Apple Care plan is assigned to the serial number so you will always have it if you need it.

So, all in all, buying an Apple product will stand you in good stead for a long time. Plan carefully when you first buy one and make sure the storage is big enough. Then look after it, and by the time you are ready to buy a new one, there will be someone around glad to buy your old, well-looked after one.

A Windows Laptop Which Rise Up to the Level of MacBook



Asus
A number of time laptop manufacturers have tried to mimic the design and specification of MacBook in order to divert customers from Apple product but they had failed miserably. Even when ZenBook 3 is compared with MacBook then it bows down in two areas i.e. the amazing ecosystem of Apple and battery life. However ZenBook has a number of features in terms of functionality, design and capability which ranks higher than the Macbook. Given the fact it is a Windows OS based laptop the adoption rate is expected to rise steeply and popularity will grow from thereon.

Configuration of ZenBook3

ZenBook 3 possesses Intel Core i7- 7500 processor couples with 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB of hard disk. At this configuration the price would be around $1,600 for the US market but it will be bit pricier in the international market. If Asus opted for releasing a low key version of ZenBook 3 with i5 processor, 8 GB of RAM and 256 storage then it will be in the affordable segment of $1000. ZenBook has a standard 1920 x 1080 screen resolution for its 12.5 non touch screen display which is a major letdown as premium laptop in sub 13-inch screen possess 2560 x 1440 or higher screen resolution.

Designed to surprise and amaze

This particular ZenBook features a relatively new and refined look with circular brushed pattern at the back and a deep blue color. The hinge placed on ZenBook 3 happens to be lighter and offer a great comfort in holding the device. Apple is known to offer incredible hardware coupled with its own robust operating system which is tough for competitors to overcome. Asus had a tough challenge in front of it but it has been able to produce a gem in form of ZenBook 3 having a sublime design and an enhanced, predictable and highly responsive touchpad. The two finger scroll will remind users of MacBook and it even has the three finger swipe which shows all open windows on the system.

Zenbook 3 has a backlit keyboard and a huge number of preloaded apps or software which are marginally useful. Applications include Evernote, TripAdvisor, Dropbox along with 5 GB worth of Asus cloud-based storage and an intuitive display option called Asus Eye Care Switcher which changes the screen mode to blue light to reduce eyestrain.

Faster than a MacBook

ZenBook 3 comes loaded with Intel Core i7 chipset which lends it amazing performance capability. It offers incredible experience devoid of any lags or stuttering when it comes to web surfing, gaming, HD video playback, general office tasks along with photo video editing. On a video loop test ZenBook 3 gave a battery life of approximately 7 hours.

ZenBook 3 is the best option for those who are looking for highly portable and user friendly device with Windows OS. Quite interestingly ZenBook 3 has faster processor than the Macbook and comes with a mini-dock without any extra charges.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Apple Rumoured to Launch Three iPad Pro Models

 iPad Pro

Apple’s Three Models of iPad Pro


According to Mac Otakara, Apple intends to launch three models of iPad Pro in the spring of 2017 which comprises of a new 7.9-inch model, updates to the 9.7-inch and 10.1-inch models. The Japan based blog quoting `reliable sources’ states that the latest 7.9 inch Pro model would be featuring four speakers and a Smart Connector identical to the existing line of iPad Pros that had been updated earlier in March this year.

The small iPad Pro would be carrying Apple Pencil support like the rest of the line-up and is expected to replace the iPad Mini 4 provided presently. The three models would be retaining the headphone jack which had been detached from the iPhone line-up in place of wireless Apple EarPods in September when the iPhone 7 had been released. No specific launch timeline and pricing for the new Apple tablets had been provided in the report.

 It had also been reported by Otakara that the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 would be receiving a 12-megapixel camera together with True Tone flash. No more additional specifications were shared. Ming-Chi Kuo Apple analyst of KFI Securities had mentioned in August that the anticipated three new iPads which would be launched in 2017 would be a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2, a new size 10.5-inch iPad Pro and a low cost 9.7-inch iPad. No mentioned regarding a 7.9-inch model had been done by him.

Latest 10.5-Inch Model – Education & Commercial Markets


As per Kuo, the latest 10.5-inch model would be for education and commercial markets. The price of the same had not been disclosed. Kuo believes that the iPad sales would continue to drop by 10 to 20% each year since Apple has seen the decline in sales in its iPad line-up.

He also mentioned that Apple would bring about huge alterations to the iPad line-up in 2018 with the inclusion of a flexible AMOLED panel with a view on enlarged screen resolution together with essential variations to form factor. As in the case of all rumours, readers are encouraged to take the latest iPad report with a grain of salt. Mac Otakara does not seem to have a flawless track record with the rumours regarding Apple, though its sources have confirmed precisely on several occasions in the past.

New Models Shipped with Lightning-to 3.5mm Audio Adapter


The blog had been the first to report regarding the controversial plans of Apple on the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack and adding of new Black and Jet Black colours on iPhone 7 models. The new 7.9-inch model would be occupying a lower pricing tier than the 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro models. However, in spite of its budget price tag, the iPad Pro would be receiving if not all, but most of the features of 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

The website has correctly leaked the naming scheme, pressure-sensitive Home button together with the bigger earpiece model of the iPhone 7.It is also said that the new models would be shipped with a Lightning-to-3.5mm audio adapter, though the 3.5mm EarPods seemed wrong and had suppressed rumours regarding the inclusion of a Smart Connector.