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Cell gets an audience with the video market
It seems our lovely Cell processor is getting a chance to shine in yet another commercial product -- this time, the Cell was given the opportunity for a demonstration at NAB2007 in Las Vegas from the 16th-19th of April. The little processor that could is trying to crack its way into the video processing market this time (in addition to medical imaging, ray tracing, folding@home, etc).With its assistance, video... ah... developers? are trying to support implementation and advanced performance capabilities for video codecs like MPEG-4. There'll be brochures or whatever explaining how awesome the Cell would be in the broadcast market, so if anyone's in town for the show, try to nab one and let us know what it says. What sort of advantages do you think the Cell could offer the video market or the broadcast industry as a whole?
Sony may offer swag in exchange for your Cell cycles
So it's one thing getting people to contribute their spare processor cycles to a noble cause like Folding@Home, but it would be quite another convincing gamers to leave their PS3s on at night so that large companies -- like the ones that they perceive screw them over on a regular basis -- can solve tough problems and make even more money. Yet the Financial Times is reporting that Sony has already fielded several inquiries from private firms keen on doing just that, harnessing the power of all those idle Cell processors to simulate a relatively cheap cheap supercomputer; of course, this leaves the Japanese giant in a sticky situation of trying to capitalize on that interest in the wake of a likely backlash from owners. The simplest solution? Offer gamers a carrot, or in this case, free points, products, exclusives, etc., etc. -- something so they feel like they're profiting too, and ideally, in direct correlation to the amount of time they donate. So far this is only speculation and conjecture, though, so turn down that beeping on your swag radar -- and make sure that whatever you do, you don't let Sony bribe you into giving up all your Folding donations for a few bonus game maps and a bunch of stickers for your controller.[Via Joystiq]
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!]
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]
USC researcher crafting silicon brain cells
C'mon, linking actual brain cells to a silicon chip might sound a bit sensational at first, but considering the work that's already been done on replacement retinas and human brains, Ted Berger's recently-hyped work is pretty much right on time. Essentially, the USC researcher has spent the past decade or so "engineering a brain implant that can re-create thoughts," and moreover, certain implementations could even "remedy everything from Alzheimer's to absent-mindedness." We know, thoughts of instantaneous brilliance are running wild through your mind, and considering that Ted (and his highly-regarded team) have figured out how to link a silicon chip to actual brain cells and elicit responses, the possibilities are indeed nearly endless. Put simply, Berger hopes that brain disorders that are currently battled with intensive drug regimens with less-than-exciting side effects can be solved "by simply implanting a few computerized brain cells." Of course, the team admits that it's "years, maybe decades" away from hospital-approved apparatuses, but if you're interested in reading (a lot) more about "the future of brain science," grab your specs, prepare your paltry short term memory, and hit the read link for all the insight.[Via MedGadget]
Reminder: turn 'on' your PS3 tonight for Folding@home foldathon
Wanna discover a cure for cancer while you sleep? Or solve the mysteries of Alzheimer's in your dreams? Perhaps unfold the complexities of Parkinson's even as the drool beings to seep into your pillow? Then tonight, before you tuck yourself in, remember to power on your PlayStation 3 and launch the Folding@home application, joining PS3 owners everywhere as we commit our consoles' processors to the first-ever Sunday Night Foldathon.Note: After installing 1.6 Firmware, Folding@home can be downloaded from the Network tab in the XMB menu. The application requires 250MB of hard drive space. Once launched, the application will automatically download a work unit from Stanford University and begin computation. If you're feeling a pang of gamer camaraderie, hit triangle, select identity, and join existing team #57516. All set? 'Kay, this is your cue to hit the lights and let Cell do the rest -- while you rest. Sweet dreams.[Via PS3 Fanboy]%Gallery-2118%
EaglePicher claims "world's smallest" implantable battery
We've just about had our fill of "world's smallest" gizmos this week, but when it comes to a new development in the battery realm, we certainly won't complain with delivering power in a less burdensome manner. Vancouver's own EaglePicher Medical Power has recently announced plans to unveil the "industry's smallest implantable-grade medical battery," which comes in at a mere .26-inches long and .09-inches in diameter. Unsurprisingly, the primary application is to handle tasks inside your body, such as deploying it via a "minimally-invasive catheter procedure" rather than implanting it through surgery. The aptly-named Micro Battery is based around a proprietary cell construction designed by the company, and while we're always weary of such lofty claims to a product that hasn't hit commercialization yet, it can purportedly provide power for "more than 15 years." Just make sure you pencil in a changeout date about a decade from now if this thing ends up connected to your future pacemaker, cool? [Warning: PDF read link][Via MedGadget]
Pokemon transforms DS into 'cell phone' for kids
Not that Pokémon -- only the second best-selling game franchise evar -- needs any marketing spin to excite sales of its predestined two-headed spawn Diamond & Pearl, but Nintendo does seems eager to herald the game's impending arrival as a sort of "My First Celly" for DS toting youngsters eager for chatter. Of course, this is simply the ability to chat with registered friends using DS's VoIP capabilities, enabled by the new Pokémon game. While it's a far cry from pending productions and possibilities proposed by the competition, VoIP on DS is a little used feature that has the potential to be a unique selling point.Sure, it's tethered to Wi-Fi hotspots, but the technology offers the promise of safe communication -- in terms of both who your kid be talkin wit' and potential costs (or lack thereof) -- for concerned parents looking to serve their whiny offspring. Then again, DS VoIPin' lacks the much desired 'prank call' feature. With mischief muted, your preteens are gonna have to settle on playground gossip. That, or they could actually engage in some good ol' pocket monster melee. Imagine that.Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are scheduled for release on April 22.
Cure diseases using the PS3: March 23rd
Folding@home is finally coming to the PS3 next week. The program, which is bundled in the next firmware revision, will allow your PS3 to assist in the research of various diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis and many cancers. The program leverages the unused processing power of the Cell chip, and can be set to run automatically when your PS3 begins to idle. According to the press release, "These simulations can take up to 30 years for a single computer to complete, Folding@home enables this task to be shared among thousands of computers connected via the network ... The Cell/B.E. processor inside each PS3 is roughly 10 times faster than a standard mainstream chip inside a personal computer (PC), so researchers are able to perform the simulations much faster, speeding up the research process."With more than two million PS3s worldwide, and many more to come, the collective power of the PS3 will undoubtedly provide crucial data in the fight against these diseases. If you'd like to participate, don't forget to update to the newest firmware on March 23rd, and access Folding@home from the Network option in the XMB.[Via Joystiq]
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]
IBM begins production of 65nm Cell chip
It's no secret that IBM has had some bigger -- or, rather -- smaller and better plans in the works for its Cell microprocessor, but we've now got the word from Big Blue itself, with the company announcing that it has started production of an advanced version of the chip, using a 65 nanometer manufacturing process as opposed to the current 90nm. Apart from being physically smaller, the 65nm chip should also result in lower power consumption and reduced costs to manufacturers using the processor. While that would include IBM itself -- which uses Cell processors in some of its own BladeCenter servers -- the company's most famous customer is, of course, Sony, who use the chip in a not-so-little game console of theirs you may heard of. On that front, it's been reported that Sony does indeed plan to use this new chip in future versions of the PlayStation 3 to help cut manufacturing costs, although that doesn't necessarily mean we'll see a cut in the price of the console itself anytime soon.[Via Yahoo News/IDG]
Sony says: Cell can handle "branching" for AI better than the rest
When Sony introduced the new EDGE toolkit for developers, people began to listen in on the power of the PlayStation 3 and the Cell processor. While still difficult to program for, the toolkit is meant to alleviate some of the more confusing aspects of the new console. Sony also decided to sit down and chat with developers regarding the Cell and this new toolkit.A developer claimed that there was no way to get interaction between the different SPUs of the Cell. This heralded Sony to come in and teach a miniature lesson about what does and doesn't work with the Cell's SPUs. The interesting tidbit spoken about was branching AI on the Cell. We'll use a quote here so we don't mess up the interpretation: "Branching is a common technique...where a program randomly chooses a few samples from a larger set of options, and then tests each to see which is the best...Most developers have claimed that the SPUs would be absolutely terrible for branching. As Sony put it however, branching is absolutely terrible for ALL processors. In their experience, they said, it is less terrible for the SPUs however. In the upcoming game Heavenly Sword, they said that moving the branching AI off of the Power Processor Unit (PPU) increased the performance of that particular process. In other words, the same branching ran better on the SPUs."Since Sony has had success creating AI superior to that available on other consoles relying on different setups (triple-core PPC, etc), they've included ways for developers to have similar success with the EDGE kit. One more thing, too, was added into EDGE: "Sony said that much of their success with the Cell has come from the development of a tool they call the SPURS Kernel, a small program which sits on each SPU and enables it to better perform the tasks that programmers use it for. This SPURS Kernel was included in the EDGE suite of tools."So what do you guys think? With this stuff, will more developers give the PS3 a more interested look? We really believe that saying all this stuff is good and all, but developers and consumers alike will need something tangible to prove these claims. Heavenly Sword was cited as an example of success regarding SPU AI branching... so, let's see it! We need something solid instead of words, as much as we'd love to take your word on this, Sony.
PS3 price drop could follow slashed Cell chip costs in '09
It's no secret that the Cell chip, currently bloated by 90- and 65-nanometer circuitry, is driving up the cost of PlayStation 3. Sony hopes to improve the chip's profitability by moving to 45-nanometer circuitry, in turn, driving down per-chip production costs. Commercial production of the 45-nanometer Cell is expected to begin by early 2009, which could indicate that a significant PS3 price drop (or perhaps, a slimmer model to compliment the even tinier new chip) would follow later in the year -- assuming that Blu-ray drive costs would have also dropped by then.Of course, the equipment needed to manufacture the 45-nanometer chips would require a steep initial investment, suggesting that Sony may cease in-house production of the Cell and outsource the process to companies that specialize in chip-making. Expect Sony to be making calls to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and United Microelectronics, the world's two largest contract chip makers, any day now.
Texas Instruments demos first 720p playback from a mobile phone
Texas Instruments demonstrated its first processor to enable high definition (720p) playback on mobile phones yesterday at 3GSM World Congress. The OMAP3430, first announced last year, is the first in TI's series of OMAP 3 processors and also first to include support for the OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics standard for 3D acceleration. The 3430 gets the muscle to move your HD files and 3D gaming from its embedded ARM Cortex-A8 processor, but from the specs it seems that the video portion is only currently supporting up to 1024 x 768 (XGA) output via composite or S-video connections. Still, with this power available, sometime in the future your common cellphone will be playing back HD on the go or outputting video to a big screen HDTV. We previously expected to see handsets based on the technology this year, but while TI is shipping samples of the processors now, don't expect your HD-capable cell to hit stores until early 2008.
Nintendo thought about going into the cell phone business?
We never would've thought Nintendo was looking to the mobile phone industry with any kind of plans for branching out, but according to the linked patent, which was filed in November 2001 and issued in June 2006, they were (and could still be). The patent, which reads as "Electronic apparatus having game and telephone functions," doesn't really paint a picture. Luckily though, we yanked some screens from Engadget, so check them out after the post break.[Via Endgadget]
Researchers working on Cell processor supercomputer
For years, Sony and IBM have talked up the power of the Cell processor that's at the core of of every PS3. Now, some University of Illinois researchers are working on finally unlocking that power for the next generation of highly parallel supercomputers. The Illinois News-Gazette has a report on the efforts of user interface experts Marc Snir, Laxmikant Kale and David Kunzman, who say that a computer with a cluster of Cell chips could offer 50 times the performance of a similar sized PC. Squeezing out that performance is no small task, though -- Kale admits "it's going to be a challenge to program it." Despite the team's inside access to Cell technology and tools, the N-G article ends with a joking complaint that the team members "haven't received a PlayStation 3 yet, either." Hey, if you want one that badly, just go to your local store, guys.
A new cell processor just for you!
If you thought the current Cell processor was itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny at a size of 90nm, you should be delighted to hear about the new 65nm version that has begun production en masse. Hmm, en masse doesn't quite work, so... the smaller version has been ramped up to mass production. This will yield a few advantages, supposedly.The 65nm Cell is cheaper to produce than the 90nm. This doesn't mean Sony will cut the price of the PS3 -- they're selling it at a loss as is. What it does mean is that Sony might start turning a profit on each PS3 sold. At the very least, a much smaller loss per console sold. Secondly, since the 65nm Cell is smaller, there will be a reduction in heat production (pretty slick rhyme, huh?). Third, don't confine this Cell to the PS3 -- Sony plans to use it in a multitude of products and a multitude of products plan to use Sony's Cell.Will European PS3's be equipped with this new, smaller, sexier, colder Cell? We don't know. Will there be a future model of the PS3 equipped with it? Probably. When that is, we aren't sure. They'll probably start tossing these babies in as soon as they find the yields appropriate. Keep your eyes peeled for this new Cell in a PS3 near you!
Ken Kutaragi to become Chairman of Cellius
BandaiNamco and SCEI today announced that they are forming a new Tokyo-based subsidiary company, Cellius, in a bid to develop fresh content for Sony's Cell Broadband Engine. Cellius will be in the hands of "PlayStation's dad", Ken Kutaragi, who will be appointed as the new company's Chairman. Initial investment from BandaiNamco and SCEI is approximately US$824,000; SCEI will have a 49% stake in Cellius, with BandaiNamco controlling a 51% share. Although there are no plans for Cellius to work directly on PS3 games, the new outfit will be producing "interactive entertainment" and "business contents" when its doors open on March 6. What those terms actually entail, we'll just have to wait and see, but perhaps Ken Kutaragi will now have a fair opportunity to show us what he was talking about at last year's Tokyo Game Show conference. Click through for the Japanese (PDF) press release.
DS phone, not by Nintendo
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/DS_phone_not_by_Nintendo'; Imitation is the best form of flattery: Japanese mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo has unveiled the Mitsubishi-built D800iDS, yes, a dual-screened celly that features a touch screen in place of a keypad. The D800i will even include a PictoChat-like utility, allowing users to exchange hand-written messages and crude drawings. As pictured, games will also be a key component of the new phone, which will debut in white, just as DS Lite did.DS Lite has owned Japanese sales charts since its launch (the thing prints money, really). But can Nintendo's success be so easily duplicated in the mobile phone market?
