AMD and PTC Work Together to Boost AMD FirePro Performance

Professional graphics designers now have, or will soon have, an extra reason to consider buying AMD FirePro professional graphics cards when making a workstation.

Advanced Micro Devices and product development software maker PTC have announced a partnership for improving Creo performance.

More precisely, they intend to make 3D transparency in PTC Creo Parametric 2.0 run up to 900% faster.

Similarly, they believe that it is possible to boost shaded 3D frame rates and interactivity by over four times.

Coupled with the optimizations in the Catalyst Pro drivers, this should lead to better workflow, performance and reliability on all FirePro adapters.

"PTC and the AMD FirePro team have collaborated to deliver Creo graphics performance and workflow optimizations to help designers create, innovate and deliver products that meet their customers' needs," said Brian Thompson, vice president, MCAD Product Management at PTC. 

"The new performance enhancements in Creo Parametric 2.0 include GPU-accelerated transparency and 3D viewport performance enhancements. AMD FirePro professional performance-optimized graphics cards and drivers help users fully realize the power of Creo 2.0."

The joint effort of the two companies has taken the form of a very fast GPU-accelerated 3D transparency mode and GPU-accelerated OpenGL functions.

Users will get better workflow efficiency, improved decision-making effectiveness and may even “build overall awareness throughout the design process.”

EyeFinity multi-display scenarios may be used at users' discretion as well. Large worksheets could benefit greatly here, especially since AMD GeometryBoost technology doubles raw geometry performance.

"The latest AMD FirePro professional graphics cards and drivers have been specifically engineered to enhance the productivity of PTC Creo Parametric 2.0 users," said Antoine Reymond, senior strategic alliance manager, workstation graphics, AMD. 

"Technical designers rely on software and hardware tools to optimize their workflow and enable them to effectively design without performance bottlenecks. Our collaboration with PTC helps ensure design professionals using AMD FirePro professional graphics cards will experience a significant boost in performance, resulting in superior productivity and design intuition."

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Asus Padfone, Transformer Pad Infinity and Transformer Pad 300 Get Priced in Europe

Asus Padfone has been previously launched in Taiwan and is expected to go on sale on April 20 for prices ranging between 465 EUR (610 USD) and 745 EUR (980 USD).

Early this week, Asus launched its Padfone, Transformer Pad 300 and Transformer Pad Infinity 700 in Italy and put a price on all three devices, which will probably be similar in all European countries.

According to the folks over at NotebookItalia, Asus Padfone will be available for purchase for 700 EUR (915 USD), but the deal also included the tablet dock (Padfone station). 

However, the keyboard dock will be retailed as a separate accessory for 149 EUR (195 USD). There’s no word on the headset stylus yet, but there’s a high chance this one will be sold separately as well.

Asus confirmed that its Padfone tablet/phone combo device will hit shelves in Europe sometime in late May, while an LTE-enabled version of the device is expected to arrive in September.

In the same piece of news, Asus confirmed the Transformer Pad 300 would be available for 399 EUR (520 USD) for the Wi-Fi model and 499 EUR (655 USD) for the 3G variant, respectively.

Both models come with the same 32GB amount of storage and are expected be available on the market in mid-May, as the cheapest Asus tablet.

Last but not least, the Asus Transformer Pad 700 Infinity will be released on the market on June 10 and will only feature Wi-Fi connectivity. Asus confirmed a 599 EUR (785 USD) suggested retail price for the Transformer Pad 700 Infinity.

It will come with 64GB of internal memory, but it won’t include the optional keyboard dock, which will be sold a separate accessory. For the time being, Asus did not unveil any plans to launch a 3G version of the Transformer Pad 700 Infinity.

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14nm “Broadwell” Intel SoC Coming in 2014-2015

We've spoken about 14nm-based chips before, but now we get to look at a “true” Intel system-on-chip device, one that will further integrate the platform-controller hub (PCH) with the CPU. 

According to ComputerBase.de, Intel is definitely approaching the time when it can launch a system-on-chip device which routs over 90% of the system I/O through the CPU socket. 

In other words, the product will be a “true” SoC, although it will demand a socket change. 

Broadwell will be the follow-up to the Haswell architecture, which will have already implemented support for DDR4 memory and better graphics (Crystalwell Technology). 

That said, the 14nm-based chip will have a multi-chip module design, which means that the CPU and northbridge will be on the same die, while the PCH will be on the other. 

The release of the Broadwell will happen in 2014 or 2015.

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Microsoft Unveils Four Windows 8 SKUs

Windows 8, the next version of Microsoft’s popular operating system, will arrive on shelves with increased flexibility to fit user’s needs, and this applies to its various editions as well. 

Following a long series of rumors on the number and variety of Windows 8 SKUs that Microsoft will make available later this year, the Redmond-based software giant stepped up and provided us with all the necessary details on the matter. 

First, we should note that Windows 8 has been confirmed as the official product name for the upcoming x86/64 editions of Windows.

There will be two Windows flavors loaded on all PCs and tablets that are powered by x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit), namely Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

The latter was meant to enable tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals to take advantage of a wider range of Windows 8 technologies. It packs encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity atop Windows 8’s features. 

“Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro,” Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc explains in a blog post.

“For many consumers, Windows 8 will be the right choice. It will include all the features above plus an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly, which was previously only available in Enterprise/Ultimate editions of Windows,” he continues.

Along with these, there will be a Windows 8 edition specifically designed for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements. Dubbed Windows 8 Enterprise, it will include Windows 8 Pro’s features, along with specific features for IT organization. 

The Enterprise flavor of Windows 8 will arrive with enhanced features for PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and more. 

It should also be noted that Microsoft plans the release of local language-only editions of Windows 8 for China and some other emerging markets as well. 

The fourth Windows 8 SKU is Windows RT, which was previously referred to as Windows on ARM or WOA. It will be available only preinstalled on tablets and PCs powered by ARM processors. 

Windows RT will arrive with touch-optimized desktop versions of Microsoft’s next flavors of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. 

Applications designed for it make use of the new Windows runtime, or WinRT, which was made official in September last year. It opens the door to “a new generation of cloud-enabled, touch-enabled, web-connected apps of all kinds.”

Additional info on the various Windows 8 editions, such as details on pricing and limited-time programs and promotions available for users will be unveiled in the next months. 

You can have a look at the main differences between Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT in the aforementioned blog post.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview is available for download via this link.

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Meizu MX Quad-Core Android Phone to Be Released in June

After weeks of delay Meizu has finally taken the wrap off the launch of its quad-core Android smartphone, Meizu MX Quad-core.

According to the Chinese company, the 32GB version of the smartphone will be available for purchase in Meizu's retail stores starting June for $480 USD in China and $400 USD in Hong Kong. 

The 64GB Meizu MX Quad-core will be priced at $635 USD in Mainland China and $530 USD in Hong Kong, respectively. 

There's more good news, as the company decided to reduce the price of the original MEIZU MX smartphone to $380 USD in China and $335 USD in Hong Kong, respectively. The discount for the original Meizu MX is effective as of April 16.

Meizu also announced that the company would release back covers in five colors in addition to the original white, which will allow Meizu MX Quad-core users to experience the device as they desire. 

Dubbed “the first smartphone in the world to use the brand new and powerful Exynos A9 quad-core processor,” Meizu has yet to announce the speed of the CPUs embedded onto the MX Quad-core.

However, we already know that the Exynos A9 CPU is power efficient and features the 32nm HKMG (High-K Metal Gate) technology, especially optimized to reduce CPU power consumption by up to 20%. 

The handset manufacturer claims that the “MEIZU MX Quad-core is better in every way than its predecessor. The MEIZU MX Quad-core CPU is 60% faster, and GPU 50% faster compared to the previous MX. Whether it is browsing through menus, playing the latest games, or watching 1080p video, the MX Quad-core easily beats dual-core devices.”

Furthermore, the MX Quad-core comes with a 292 PPI high-definition ASV display, as well as an 8-megapixel BSI camera with an f/2.2 lens aperture. It is also worth mentioning the MX Quad-core runs Meizu's own Flyme operating system, which is based on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

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Samsung GALAXY S III Officially Launching on May 3

It looks like all those rumors that were pointing to a possible May release for the Galaxy S III were accurate as Samsung is reportedly sending out invites for a special event.

The text on the invitation seems to be pretty clear as to what exactly Samsung plans to launch next month: “Come and meet the next Galaxy.”

The event is set to take place in London on May 3 and is likely to be largely covered by the media, especially that we already have lots of details on the next-generation Galaxy device.

Although everyone is talking about the upcoming Galaxy S III, there's a slight chance that Samsung might change the name of the device for a change.

As with all the previous Galaxy S launch events, this one falls under the term “Samsung Galaxy Unpacked,” so those who already have the application installed on their Android devices might receive a bit of info before the phone goes official.

We also know that the smartphone should pack a 4.6-inch Super AMOLED HD (1280 x 720 pixels) capacitive touchscreen display, and a quad-core processor.

According to the latest hearsay, Galaxy S III will be powered by Samsung's Exynos 4412 SoC (system on a chip), which packs four Cortex A9 CPUs clocked at 1.5 GHz.

Furthermore, the smartphone should feature a ceramic housing or something similar, as well as a slightly modified TouchWiz user interface. 

It appears that a photo of the alleged Samsung Galaxy S III recently leaked online shows that the smartphone features a 5-column interface, similar to that of the Galaxy Note.

According to the folks over at BGR, the Galaxy S II will be the official device of the 2012 Summer Olympics. Apparently, Samsung will launch different versions of the Galaxy S III, such as 16GB and 32GB models.

Last but not least, Samsung has decided to live stream the event on May 3 via its official Facebook account. Stay tuned for more updates on the matter.

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Intel Pushing "More Than FullHD" UHD Resolutions

Intel has shared its vision of Ultra High Definition displays at the Intel Developer Forum event in Beijing, China. Ultra High Definition (UHD) displays are screens that have a pixel density of more than 220 pixels per inch (PPI).

In a second move that makes the company appear like it’s a driving force for quality enrichment of the user’s experience, Intel has presented its expectations for higher quality displays for any digital display devices, from smartphones to tablets and AIO computer systems or monitors.

Put this next to the company’s plan to have optical disk drives thinner than 7mm and hard disk drives with just 5mm thickness, and it may seem like Intel has become a forward-looking, trend driving, consumer enthusiast company like Apple is.

For those who don’t know, Intel has always been a very conservatory company. They like things to move very slowly, and to charge everybody an arm and a leg for every small increase in quality or performance.

For almost seven years, Intel has advertised that its hot and low performance Pentium 4 processors should be the way forward. The obvious motto of its integrated graphics division was “It’s good enough” and its mainboards have been and still are lacking very useful features and options that almost all other respected motherboard makers include with their products.

It’s a very nice surprise Intel is telling display manufacturers that screens should have such a great pixel density so that the human eye should never be able to distinguish a single pixel on the display.

In Intel’s view, the PPI density will vary according to the viewing distance characteristic of that certain display. 

A handheld smartphone or tablet should have 300 PPI for a typical viewing distance of 12” to 16”.

Furthermore, a notebook with a 11” or 13” diagonal display should be ok with a density of around 250 PPI because its viewing distance is ranged between 16” and 24”.

Monitors or displays on AIO systems with diagonal sizes of more than 21” would need to have only a 220 PPI for the typical viewing distance of  24”to 30”.

This means that the future notebooks will come with standard resolutions of 2560 x 1440, or even 2800 x 1800. 

Future monitors will display a 3840 x 2160 resolution as standard, and we will be able to admire the beauty of a good 8 MP photo in full screen without having to resize it.

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AMD Ready to Launch New Opteron Processor Models

In the battle for the server market, AMD has reportedly started shipping faster CPUs on almost every front. Updated versions of its CPUs started to appear in the energy efficient line, the top line, the dual socket line and the quad socket versions.

For those that need a reminder, AMD’s Opteron CPUs, designed for the new C32 and G34 sockets, use a four digit numbering scheme. 

The first digit refers to the number of sockets that the platform supports.

4xxx Opteron CPUs support single processor and dual processor platforms and 6xxx Opteron CPUs are designed for dual or quad processors systems.

The second digit in the numbering scheme denotes the generation of the architecture that’s inside the CPU.

“1” means that the processor belongs to the K10 family of CPUs, like the "Magny-Cours" and "Lisbon" chips.

“2” refers to the newer processors, based on the “Bulldozer” architecture like “Interlagos” and “Valencia.”

The last two digits are related to the clockspeed of the server CPU: the greater the numbers, the higher the working frequency.

The HE or EE denominators refer to the TDP level of the chip. HE comes from high-efficiency and EE is short for energy-efficient.

The new server CPUs listed at online shops are the Opteron 4230 HE, the 6278 and the 6284 SE models.

The first one, the Opteron 6230 HE is a consumer version of the embedded processor with the same model number. It has a 2.9 GHz working frequency, 6 cores and comes with 8 MB L3 Cache while dissipating a maximum of 65 Watts when fully loaded.

The AMD Opteron 6278 and 6284 SE have sixteen cores, also sixteen megabytes of Level 3 cache and work at 2.4 GHz and 2.7 GHz respectively.

The rated TDP is 115W for the 6278 and 140W for the 6284 SE.

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MSI Unveils CX70 and CR70 Multimedia Laptops

MSI has just presented today its new CX70 and CR70 multimedia laptops powered by Intel’s new generation Ivy Bridge processors, on its official website. These are 17” notebooks with discrete graphics and new connectivity options like USB 3.0.

The new Ivy Bridge CPU has Turbo Boost 2.0 technology and the expected HD Graphics. Only the CX70 will sport a discrete graphics card while the CR70 buyer will have to be contempt with Intel’s HD Graphics. MSI says that these models are for the ones “Looking for the biggest bang for your buck in terms of multimedia performance and style,”. MSI’s notebooks have always been known for having lots of features for a good price or just the best price on the market with or without considerable features. When it came to the design, they’ve always had a Spartan look, completely blending with any ordinary laptops out there and lacking any kind of design or style effort.

The CX70 and CR70 notebooks are no different. They sport no special design, no special materials, finish or texture. Just the plain black or grey look most laptops have. The 17” screen is animated by a discrete graphics card from Nvidia. It’s powered by the GeForce GT640M GPU and comes with 2G DDR memory . MSI says it scores 7261 points in the 3D Mark Vantage test. To try and balance between the excellent performance of the discrete graphics card and a decent battery life, MSI touts its MSI GPU Boost technology. This may sound like some automatic overclocking of the graphics part of the laptop, but it’s just the technology that will switch between the processor’s iGPU  and the discrete graphics card as the 3D load varies. On the connectivity side, the new notebooks from MSI come with two USB 3.0 ports and BlueTooth 4.0 technology that is able to transfer data at up to 24 Mb/s. It also has an HDMI port and an D-SUB standard VGA connector along with a card reader. Pricing has not yet been announced.

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Script: BambooInvoice

BambooInvoice is a PHP and MySQL open source web invoicing app for freelancers and independent contractors.

The app is written on top of the CodeIgniter PHP framework and was specifically developed to be fast and easy to use.

After you install it, there's a no-nonsense feel about the interface. Freelancers can add customers, issue invoices and view past activity reports.

Invoices can be automatically sent by email, or generated as PDF files and forwarded manually along with other payment details. 

Nothing more, nothing less, just the tools needed to manage invoices with no extra settings or features that clog up the code and reduce the overall performance.

BambooInvoice development is handled via its GitHub page.

Download BambooInvoice here.

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