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IBM and friends buddy up on 32-nanometer semiconductor
IBM has most certainly been on a tear of late when it comes to microprocessors, as this tidbit comes right on the heels of the firm's 4.7GHz POWER6 and self-assembling CPUs. Presumably thinking that two five heads are better than one, IBM has garnered support from Chartered, Samsung, Infineon, and Freescale to "develop and manufacture advanced 32-nanometer semiconductors." Of course, we're still not sure if the loose ends surrounding IBM's 65-nanometer team effort are all tied off, but onward and upward they go regardless. The collaborative agreements between the firms "include 32-nanometer bulk complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process technologies and joint development of process design kits (PDKs) to support that technology," which basically means that the companies will attempt to work together at IBM's East Fishkill plant through 2010 to produce "high-performance, energy-efficient chips at 32nm." Unfortunately, we've no idea when these speedsters will be ready for the commercial world, but it's pretty safe to assume it won't be soon.[Via PCWorld, photo courtesy of Semiconductor-Technology]
IBM kicks out energy-efficient 4.7GHz POWER6 processor
Nah, it's no BlueGene L supercomputer, but IBM's latest dual-core microprocessor runs at a cool 4.7GHz while sporting 8MB of total cache per chip. The device reportedly runs "twice as fast" and packs four times the cache as the POWER5, and boasts a processor bandwidth of 300Gbps. Interestingly, the massive power increase doesn't seem to come with a boost in energy requirements, as IBM claims that the 65-nanometer POWER6 somehow ups its game while "using nearly the same amount of electricity" as its predecessor. The company plans on shoving the new darling into the System p570 server, and preliminary testing showed that all four of the "most widely used performance benchmarks for Unix servers" were shattered by its CPU. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing nor availability just yet, but we're anticipating a bit of sticker shock when it does finally land.[Via LinuxDevices]
Lenovo leaks ThinkPad X61 convertible tablet
Tablet PC Review has discovered a tantalizing spec sheet buried on an IBM website, one which details an upcoming convertible tablet that is presumably the successor to the popular X60: say hello to the Thinkpad X61. Although pics aren't available, word is that the new model will retain the same form factor as its predecessor (pictured), but offer beefed up options such as a 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo L7500 ULV CPU, up to 1,400 x 1,050 pixels on the 12.1-inch screen, as much as 160GB / 2GB of storage / RAM, and all the ports and wireless options you could ask for (well, except for maybe 802.11n and WiMax). Since the posted document is dated today, and it is the season for laptop releases after all, we'd expect an official announcement on this one to come any day now. [Via Tablet PC Review]
Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 laptop gets official
Just in case the leaked specs weren't solid enough for you, Lenovo has finally opened up and revealed the 14.1-inch T61 to the world. In what's being dubbed the "strongest, coolest, and quietest ThinkPad ever," the T61 comes sheathed in a magnesium alloy frame (Top Cover Roll Cage in Lenovo lingo), and touts an "improved cooling system, enhanced wireless connectivity with Ultra Connect II, and up to 15-percent longer battery life through its Battery Stretch control option." Furthermore, you'll find a WXGA+ display, a wide range of Intel's Core 2 Duos, up to 160GB of 5400RPM HDD space (or 100GB at 7200RPM), NVIDIA's 128MB Quadro NVS 140M graphics set, an optional Blu-ray drive, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n, and even an option for WWAN connectivity via EV-DO or HSDPA; additionally, there's a four-in-one media card reader and your choice of Windows XP / Vista. It looks like the May timeframe we had heard about earlier will actually stay true in this case, and while you can price this bad boy as high as you can dream, the base machine will run you $1,399.[Via LaptopLogic]
Rover SPARC uses IBM backup tech to keep your fav files safe
There's no shortage of backup solutions out there -- just like there's no shortage of people who never get around to it anyways. The Rover SPARC does things a little differently, however. Instead of providing a massive storage solution for all your files, the Rover SPARC uses IBM's "Continuous Data Protection" to keep track of your most precious files, and back them up on the fly as changes are made. The wallet-sized drive comes in 2GB and 4GB flavors for $100 and $130, respectively, and while both sizes aren't going to back up your OS, program, or media folders anytime soon, emails, contacts and other must-haves should fit just fine. If you're incredibly unlucky, the "plug & play software" saves copies of certain files (including photos) online, but there's a $35 annual fee to keep that going after the first year.
IBM gearing up to lay off over 100000 American employees?
We'll admit, even we're a bit frightened that immensely intelligent humanoid bots may one day oust us from these seats, but according to whispers going around at IBM's HQ, something just as momentous could be going down as early as this year. Shortly after Lenovo told 1,400 of its US-based employees to politely hop off the payroll, IBM's LEAN plan could call for over 100,000 American workers to be canned in favor of (surprise, surprise) hiring overseas. Already, the firm has laid off 1,300 employees in 2007, but according to a recent report, an ongoing "planning meeting" for how to handle the company's Global Services could eventually axe "up to 150,000 US jobs" while hiring cheaper labor in China and India. Interestingly, this news could actually be sweet music to Wall Street, at least in the short term, but we can't imagine how this logistical nightmare will ever bode well for Big Blue's future.
IBM apes Mother Nature for faster, more efficient chips
Someone should seriously tell IBM's research and development team to take a much-deserved vacation, as these folks have been cranking out the goods at an alarming rate of late. Most recently, the company has announced the "world's first application of self assembly used to create a vacuum around nanowires for next-generation microprocessors," which just so happens to mimic the natural pattern-creating process that forms seashells, snowflakes, and enamel on teeth. Essentially, the process forms "trillions of holes to create insulating vacuums around the miles of nano-scale wires packed next to each other inside each computer chip," which should aid electrical current in flowing around 35-percent faster while it eats up about 15-percent less energy. This newfangled approach to insulation, dubbed airgaps, creates vacuums that enable the substantial boost in speed, and the self assembling process is reportedly "already integrated" into IBM's manufacturing line in New York. The chips will initially be used in the firm's server lineup sometime near 2009, and shortly thereafter, we can expect IBM to start cranking these out for other companies that rely on its CPUs.[Via BBC, thanks Josh]
IBM's BlueGene L supercomputer simulates half a mouse brain
Efforts to model the human brain (on IBM's Blue Gene, ironically) haven't reached the point of finality just yet, but it looks like the supercomputer has already tackled a smaller, albeit similar task at the University of Nevada. The research team, which collaborated with gurus from the IBM Almaden Research Lab, have ran a "cortical simulator that was as big and as complex as half of a mouse's brain on the BlueGene L," and considering that it took about 8,000 neurons and 6,3000 synapses into consideration without totally crashing, it remains a fairly impressive achievement. Notably, the process was so intensive that it was only ran for ten seconds at a speed "ten times slower than real-time," and while the team is already looking forward to speeding things up and taking the whole mind into account, it was noted that the simulation (expectedly) "lacked some structures seen in an actual brain." Now, if only these guys could figure out how to mimic the brain and offer up external storage to aid our failing memories.[Thanks, Richard L.]
Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 and R61 Santa Rosa-tops leaked, due in May
While the classic IBM ThinkPad stylings might play well in the ultraportable range, we've never been quite impressed with Lenovo's widescreen attempts at business friendly minimalism. That said, there's a lot to love in the specs department of Lenovo's upcoming T61 (pictured) and R61 Santa Rosa 14-inchers, which IBM leaked info on today -- which is odd, considering the fact that the IBM logo has left these things completely -- and while the looks might be a tad frumpy, the actual sizes aren't so terribly chubsy. Of course, the big news here is the Santa Rosa processor action, with chips like the T7100, T7300, T7500 and T7700 bringing up to 2.4GHz of 64-bit Core 2 Duo lovin' to the two models. Other notables include Intel's latest PM965 integrated graphics chipset, Intel Turbo Card "Robson" flash memory cache tech in select models, and a LCD "roll cage" in the T61. You can also toss in discrete NVIDIA graphics, or pretty much whatever else you're up for: wireless, connectivity and storage options abound. No word on price, but we should be seeing the first of these around May, with NVIDIA, 160GB encrypted drives and Blu-ray versions following in July.[Via NotebookReview]Read - Lenovo ThinkPad T61Read - Lenovo ThinkPad R61
Lenovo laying off 1,400 employees, looking overseas
Tough news on the Lenovo front, as the "world's third ranking PC manufacturer" is looking to axe 1,400 of its US-based employees -- and fast. Reportedly, the firm has decided to lay off a good chunk of its American-based work force "within the next 30 to 60 days" as it turns around and creates around 750 new positions in Brazil, China, India and Slovakia. The company stressed that its return to profitability last year was greatly assisted by the laying off of upwards of 1,000 employees, and insinuates that the latest cost-cutting measures are just attempts to "make the organization more efficient by reducing expenses." The cuts also include a whopping 20-percent of the work force at Lenovo's Research Triangle Park (RTP) location and around five-percent overall, but should net some $100 million in savings for the new fiscal year. Sadly, it just seems to get more cutthroat every year in the corporate arena, regardless of accomplishments.[Via TWW]
Orangutans show off video game skills at Atlanta zoo
While they don't yet appear to have tried their hand at Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, a pair of orangutans at Zoo Atlanta have recently started to hone their skills at some slightly simpler fare, which some IBM workers developed for the zoo in their time off. Apparently designed to study the cognitive skills of the primates, the games involve drawing pictures with the touchscreen, picking out identical photographs, and matching orangutan sounds to the proper picture. For each correct answer, the orangutans are rewarded with a food pellet -- something Nintendo would be wise to consider for its next console. [Via FARK, photo courtesy of Gene Blythe/AP]
IBM pushing vertical stacking in next wave of supercomputers
Next-generation cooling technology isn't the only thing IBM's R&D crew is spending time with, as the chip giant has recently made plans to hit up "vertical stacking technology" in order to make the next wave of supercomputers really crank. Supposedly, "laying chips vertically -- as opposed to side by side -- reduces the distance data has to travel by 1,000 times, making the chips faster and more efficient." The new format will place chips directly atop one another and connect them with "tungsten filled pipes etched through the silicon," which will subsequently eliminate the need for wires and increase the speed at which data can flow. The questionably-dubbed "3D chips" will reportedly operate around 40-percent more efficiently than existing renditions, and considering that Intel is purportedly cooking up a similar agenda in their own labs, that "end of 2007" release date is quite likely to be accurate.
Another use for the Cell: Medical Imaging
While not utilizing the unbridled power of the PlayStation 3 (debate amongst yourselves... no one has a time machine yet) directly, IBM and Mayo Clinic have been utilizing the Cell Processor in their medical imaging technology to detect things like cancer in the human body (and probably animals, too, but that'd be a different kind of clinic).Here's an interesting bit from the press release to let you know how well the Cell and IBM's BladeCenter QS20 "Cell Blade" handled the workload: "For this imaging project, Mayo Clinic and IBM used 98 sets of images and ran the optimized registration application on the IBM BladeCenter QS20, in comparison with running the original application on a typical processor configuration. The application running on a typical processor configuration completed the registration of all 98 sets of images in approximately 7 hours. The team adapted a "mutual-information-based" 3-D linear registration algorithm application optimized for Cell/B.E. and completed the registration for all 98 sets of images in just 516 seconds, with no registration taking more than 20 seconds."No matter what way you look at this, it's amazing. Sure, it does nothing to further the PS3 as a gaming system, but if you overlook what kind of potential this technology has, then you're missing out on something fantastic and lifechanging. Unless you think you're somehow you've got the Cancer Invulnerability +2 charm. A rare drop from the Zombie Doctor Lord on the 3rd floor of Brookhaven Hospital in Silent Hill.[Also in Joystiq color!]
Readers pick best webcomic: the real winner
Proving that the quality of clever observation can trump the importance of finished, colorful artwork, Scott Johnson's Extra Life took first place in this week's webcomic wrapup for understanding the real winner of the so-called "console wars." Second place goes to Ctrl+Alt+Del and third place goes to 2P Start. (Yes, Ray and Tim, we also wouldn't be surprised.) Thanks to everyone who voted and be sure to let us know of any game-related webcomic you stumble upon this week!
PS3 Cell chip saves more lives with medical imaging
The use of the PlayStation 3 in the Folding@home project has proven to be phenomenally successful (even Team Joystiq -- thanks, guys!). Now, the Cell chip has served another purpose: 3-dimensional medical imaging.IBM and Mayo clinic today announced that they have been using the Cell chip for imaging purposes such as cancer detection. According to the press release, the imaging program originally would run on typical processors and that optimized registration of 98 sets of images would take 7 hours typically. However, use of the application on the Cell-equipped IBM BladeCenter QS20 is 8 minutes 36 seconds -- approximately fifty times faster.The PlayStation 3 itself is not being used for the imaging, and for that we say pity. We actually find it interesting watching the proteins fold and inviting our chemistry-oriented buddies over to identify common bonds and laugh at atomic jokes that we don't get. How about a downloadable application in the vein of this imaging program that both showcases the PS3's horsepower and shows interested parties how cancer looks inside the body?The full results of the imaging experiment will be presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers International Symposium April 12 to 15 in Washington, D.C.[Via The Mercury News]
IBM developing multimedia web browser for the blind
IBM looks to be trying to make multimedia content on the web slightly more accessible to the blind, developing a new browser that'll make it easier to sort out audio and video from other content, with the project itself led by a blind researcher at the company, the BBC reports. Dubbed the Accessibility Browser, or A-Browser for short, it'll apparently let users control audio and video with a few keystrokes instead of a mouse, including the the ability to slow down or speed up video, as well as access alternate audio tracks for the blind when available. It does seem to have a few drawbacks, however, with it currently compatible only with Real Player and Windows Media Player, leaving many sites nigh impenetrable. That could conceivably change though, as the company's also set to make the browser open source when it's ready, which should come sometime later this year.[Via Daily Tech]
IBM demonstrates 160Gbps optical transceiver chipset
Innovative cooling solutions aren't the only things that IBM is showing off of late, as the firm is also demonstrating a wicked fast optical transceiver chipset at the 2007 Optical Fiber Conference. The prototype reportedly has the uncanny ability to "move information at speeds of 160Gbps," which should prove quite useful with all the streaming media we're growing more and more fond of with each passing day. IBM is apparently trying to "make optical connectivity viable for widespread use" by constructing an optical transceiver "with driver and receiver integrated circuits in current CMOS technology," and then adding in a few exotic materials to deliver a package measuring just 3.25- x 5.25-millimeters. As expected, no implementation dates were readily available, but considering that 100G Ethernet is just around the corner, we're sure IBM will have its act together in plenty of time.[Via Playfuls]
IBM's thermal paste cooling innovations detailed
It was but a few months back that IBM was tooting its own horn in regard to a "breakthrough" technology sure to revolutionize the processor cooling realm as we know it, and while miraculous claims often vanish after their bold declarations, it looks like this invention is moving forward. While we'd already heard the typical techie hub bub that goes along with such systems, IBM is now explaining a bit more about how the process will eventually work. Essentially, researchers have created a system in which "tree-like branched trenches" are placed in the copper cap, where a newly-thinned thermal paste can be applied with half the pressure of current renditions, netting a "twofold increase in cooling performance." The micrometer-sized channels basically act as an "irrigation system" to allow the toasty particles to homogeneously escape rather than building up in the self-proclaimed "magic cross" section. We know, this still isn't spelling things out in layman's terms, but if you're truly interested in knowing precisely how IBM plans on slashing the heat emitted by your future CPUs, grab your reading glasses and hit the read link.
IBM moves to 65nm Cell chip production
IBM announced today that it is beginning production a 65nm version of the Cell processor, which is a good bit smaller than the 90nm version used today. A smaller chip could also lower power consumption and lower production costs.This news should not, however, get your hopes up for a price drop in the near future. The PlayStation 3 continues to be a hefty loss leader for Sony, estimated to cost $840 to manufacture. Sony is also gearing up to rip the PS2 hardware out of the PS3s to help with the European launch.Historically, consoles have never seen a price drop in its first year. Will the rumored 2009 price drop, coinciding with the 45nm Cell chip, prove fruitful? It's certainly a lot more likely than seeing the console slash prices anytime soon.[Via Engadget; thanks, Michael Chomiczewski]
Cell processor shrinks to 65nm today
IBM has begun manufacturing of the new energy and cost-efficient 65nm version of the Cell processor. It will cost roughly a third less than the current 90nm version of Cell. According to the iSuppli teardown from launch, the Cell used to cost $89 to manufacture. Using those figures, Sony would save approximately $30 per system sold with the new processors.The highly advanced Cell chip isn't done shrinking: the next projected size of the chip is 45nm, which is expected to arrive in a couple of years.[Via GameDaily BIZ]
