Intel to push back Ivy Bridge launch from April to June

Anthony Garreffa | Business, Financial & Legal | Feb 16, 2012 9:16 PM CST

Intel's upcoming 22nm-based Ivy Bridge processors are set to be delayed by a few months, because Sandy Bridge-based notebook inventories are not moving as fast as notebook makers, and Intel, want. Mass shipments of Ivy Bridge were expected in April, but may be pushed along until June, according to DigiTimes.

First-tier notebook vendors are having problems pushing their Sandy Bridge-based notebook inventories, and because of the weak global economy, this won't go away anytime soon. Intel is also troubled by it Sandy Bridge processor inventory, which means they have plans to delay the mass shipments of Ivy Bridge-based tech in order to minimize the impact.

Now that the launch schedule has changed, notebook vendors are shuffling plans for new Ivy Bridge-based products. These plans are still shaky, even with the delay, because of the impending release of Microsoft's next game-changing OS, Windows 8. The PC replacement trend won't catch on until Windows 8 is released, which is my opinion, and seems to be the opinion of notebook vendors, too.

Continue reading: Intel to push back Ivy Bridge launch from April to June (full post)

RumorTT: Google could launch Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean" in Q2 of this year, would run alongside Windows 8

Anthony Garreffa | Software & Apps | Feb 16, 2012 7:35 PM CST

Android 4.0 arrived with quite the hard thud late last year, whilst it looks pretty cool, the Android-based smartphones and tablets just did not adapt quick enough. Most smartphone and tablet makers really dragged their feet, with even flagship products such as the phone that rocks along in my pocket, the Samsung Galaxy S II, not receiving it yet.

But, this could all [hopefully] change with the release of Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean". Google know that 2012 spells stronger competition in the OS market, with Microsoft releasing Windows 8 this year, and Apple will surely announce iOS 6 with the iPhone 5 (that's my guess, anyway). All of this is "according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers", thanks, DigiTimes.

Android 5.0 is said to be further optimized for tablet PCs, as well as having Chrome integration system functions to push dual-operating system designs. What does sound amazing, is that brand vendors can choose to adopt just Android 5.0 or add Android 5.0 to Windows 8 devices, allowing the ability to switch between the two OSes without the need to shut the device down. Take that, Apple.

Continue reading: RumorTT: Google could launch Android 5.0 "Jelly Bean" in Q2 of this year, would run alongside Windows 8 (full post)

Alan Wake is now available on PC!

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Feb 16, 2012 7:28 PM CST

Alan Wake was first teased as a PC-exclusive, running on Intel's first quad-core processors, but eventually found its way onto Microsoft's Xbox 360 console as an Xbox 360-exclusive. Now the time has come for the critically acclaimed, BAFTA-nominated, TIME Magazine Game of the Year, Alan Wake, to find its way through the dark, dimly lit forest, and onto the PC.

The game ships with both DLC packs, The Signal, and The Writer. It's not the usual run of the mill third-person action adventure game, Remedy have crafted this game into a grand, Hollywood-style story, with tonnes of atmosphere, and have crafted a game where the world feels real, you are Alan Wake.

The PC version does ship with some exclusive features:

Continue reading: Alan Wake is now available on PC! (full post)

Apple announces Mountain Lion, grrr

Anthony Garreffa | Software & Apps | Feb 16, 2012 6:32 PM CST

Apple have just announced they've released a developer preview of their upcoming OS, Mountain Lion. Touted as the ninth major release of the 'world's most advanced operating system', Mountain Lion will introduce popular apps from the iPad to the Mac, such as Messages, Notes, Reminders and Game Center, as well as Notification Center, Share Sheets, Twitter integration and AirPlay Mirroring.

On top of these iPad-related features, OS X Mountain Lion will sport iCloud, which allows for easy setup and integration with said apps. The developer preview of Mountain Lion also intros Gatekeeper. What is Gatekeeper? It's a 'revolutionary' security feature that helps keep you safe from malicious software by giving you complete control over what apps are allowed to be installed on your Mac.

Because Mountain View includes Messages, this means that iChat is now gone. Messages will continue to support services such as AIM, Jabber, Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk. If you want to try it out on your Lion-based Mac, you can download the beta of Messages, here.

Continue reading: Apple announces Mountain Lion, grrr (full post)

RumorTT: Apple TV refresh, 1080p iTunes Store, coming soon

Anthony Garreffa | Mobile Devices | Feb 16, 2012 3:26 AM CST

We reported nearly a week ago now that the iPad 3 would launch in the first week of March, but there are some more details leaking out now, that we could expect much, much more from Apple. It seems that the new iPad 3 will sport the high-res 2048x1536 Retina Display, which exceeds the 1080p resolution that high-def content comes in.

Right now, Apple's iTunes Store has a limit of 720p for their video content, and 720p is also the maximum resolution that the current-generation Apple TV supports. Apple have reportedly been asking movie studios to start submitting 1080p content to the iTunes Store, and with the new iPad 3 sporting a higher-than-1080p display, we could finally see a move into years-old technology from Apple.

This means we could, or could not see, 1080p content on the iTunes Store, as well as a 1080p-capable Apple TV. Whatever it is, you can bet your bottom dollar that 1080p from Apple will be pushed as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ himself, and that they'll make the normal users feel like they simply can't get 1080p anywhere else. I'll just be happy that Apple are finally entering into the 1080p era.

Continue reading: RumorTT: Apple TV refresh, 1080p iTunes Store, coming soon (full post)

Apple are at it once again, now want to sue the already bankrupt Kodak

Anthony Garreffa | Business, Financial & Legal | Feb 16, 2012 1:24 AM CST

A picture truly is worth a thousand words, and that picture is Apple being patent trolls. Not only have the Cupertino-based company gone after Samsung multiple times, and even recently against their Galaxy Nexus, but they've gone after several other companies and now the bankrupt company Kodak.

Kodak only filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy a few weeks ago now, but now Apple are seeking approval to sue Kodak in a New York court based on an alleged patent infringement. Kodak are now awaiting a decision from a bankruptcy judge who might give Apple permission to file a patent complain over technologies used in printers, digital cameras and digital picture frames.

Kodak just last week announced they would kill off their camera business to concentrate more on its core products, such as printer and picture frames. Isn't it such a kick in the guts that Apple are going after their now bread-and-butter money-makers? Really, Apple? Really?

Continue reading: Apple are at it once again, now want to sue the already bankrupt Kodak (full post)

CBS could end up producing new shows for Netflix

Anthony Garreffa | TV, Movies & Home Theatre | Feb 16, 2012 12:26 AM CST

In a surprising turn of events, CBS may end up producing shows for Netflix. Right now, CBS make 20 or so of their shows at their own production facilities, mainly for themselves. But in the company's earnings call today, CEO Les Moonves said they might end up producing something for Netflix.

They are the only words used to describe the news, with nothing else to dab on as flavor. Moonves did not offer any other details, and won't do until they've signed a deal. Netflix offer even less, by saying "Anyone and everyone who produces content is looking to do deals with Netflix", said Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey.

Considering that Netflix launched a show called "Lillyhammer" last week, which is their first original series, and later this year will debut a show from mastermind director David Fincher, and the incredibly talented Kevin Spacey called "House of Cards", we could be in for a change in TV as we know it. 20th Century Fox is also developing a new run of the hilariously-awesome "Arrested Development" for Netflix.

Continue reading: CBS could end up producing new shows for Netflix (full post)

Leaked images of BlackBerry 10 OS, looks swish

Anthony Garreffa | Software & Apps | Feb 15, 2012 10:28 PM CST

Leaked images have floated onto the surface of the waves of the Internet in the past 24 or so hours of Research in Motion's next-generation BlackBerry 10 Operating System, and boy do they look nice. BlackBerry 10 OS will sport home screen "widgets" which will allow you to call up apps and mini-apps, video chat capability, improvements to the e-mail clients design, just to name a few.

CrackBerry.com are behind the images, where they've reported they received a 14-page presentation featuring BlackBerry 10-powered BlackBerry's from "a tipster". Of course, we have to question whether these images are indeed legit, but they do seem to be. BB 10 OS is shaping up to look quite swish, and it seems RIM have worked hard at this latest OS.

RIM aren't just dressing to impress, either, it seems they are baking in some useful features such as a clock icon that continues to show the time of the day, but also what time the alarm will go off. It is the detail in the little things that make it stand out. Another feature showed off in a screenshot is RIM's Universal Inbox, which is thanks to The Astonishing Tribe (TAT) which RIM acquired back in 2010.

Continue reading: Leaked images of BlackBerry 10 OS, looks swish (full post)

Razer second wave of Blade gaming laptops sells out

Anthony Garreffa | Laptops | Feb 15, 2012 10:07 PM CST

When Razer first unveiled the "world's first true gaming laptop", they had people in a flurry of excitement. It then arrived, and promptly sold out of its first wave of stock, and only just a few days ago got their second wave of stock, which they again, promptly sold out of.

Razer are telling people through their Facebook page that they expect more stock to arrive on February 29th, and those who are signed up for the notification e-mail, will receive one as soon as stock is back at the Razer HQ. Razer are still one-upping the competition by continuing to offer the Razer Orochi Blade Edition to those who purchase the Blade gaming laptop.

If you want to check out some initial impressions of the Razer Blade by our own amazing Cameron Wilmot, check that out here. Whilst it doesn't do much for me, the laptop is popular on its own merit, in the form of selling out, twice. Both times very quickly, too, I might add.

Continue reading: Razer second wave of Blade gaming laptops sells out (full post)

Mass Effect 3 PC Demo is now available

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Feb 15, 2012 8:24 PM CST

Mass Effect 3 is set to be one of this years biggest titles, and with EA's new Origin digital distribution service to kick-start it, it should be a big change for the game itself. Little did I know, that a PC demo had arrived for Mass Effect 3.

So now that the excitement is building for the demo you've just found out about, how about I throw you another surprise? On the 17th of this month, the multi-player gets unlocked and lets you try it out however you want. Wait, there's more! If you have a Battlefield 3 online pass activated you can play it, well, right now!

I'm not able to test it right now, but if you're keen to try it out, comment below and let us know your thoughts on the game! Graphics! Sound! Acting, gameplay, mechanics, all of it. Remember that Mass Effect 3 launches with four-player co-operative play. Something that old-school PC gamers will enjoy.

Continue reading: Mass Effect 3 PC Demo is now available (full post)

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