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Sun looses 'world's fastest chip' -- the 1.4GHz Niagara 2
In a bold and presumably calculated statement, Sun Microsystems has proclaimed that its newfangled Niagara 2 is "the world's fastest multi-core commodity chip." Clocking in at 1.4GHz, this eight-core chip also boasts 64 threads, eight lanes of PCI Express I/O, and four memory controllers, all of which will supposedly boost server performance beyond anything we're currently seeing. Reportedly, the aforementioned claim was based on a "pair of record-setting SPEC benchmark results," but we still think that's a bit dodgy to base such a remark on. Nevertheless, Sun is suggesting that this CPU will "consume less power and do more work per clock tick than its rivals," and isn't shying away from taking on the likes of Intel, IBM, and AMD. Eh, we'll stick with our 8.18GHz Pentium 4.[Via The Register]
Use your iPhone as an XBMC remote
I have to say, as much as everyone whined about the lack of an iPhone SDK, I am nothing but impressed at how far people are bending over backwards to provide functionality to the iPhone. Yes it makes you wonder how much we could do if there was an SDK, but on the other hand, developers are really showing us just how much can be done with just a browser.Take, for example, the Xbox Media Center iPhone Remote. If you're still using your old Xbox as a media center, Tom Robinson has devised a setup that will let you actually log in to your Xbox from your iPhone, essentially using the iPhone as a very expensive (but very functional) remote control. Basically, you FTP the code onto your Xbox (or just install it over the web), and then login to the Xbox's IP from MobileSafari, and you can use it to browse media, view information on playing media, and even use transport and audio controls. Wild.My only question is how secure this is-- without having used it, it seems like all you need to get full access to the Xbox is the IP address. There may be something in the code that confines access to a local network, but if you can install this script from the web, it seems like you could also log in to control an Xbox from afar after it's been installed. At any rate, it's a really interesting idea, and just another example of how creative people are getting in developing functionality on the iPhone.Thanks, Dave!
The AirLive WMU-6500FS BitTorrent NAS gets reviewed
We've seen NAS BitTorrent drives / servers before, but none quite as cheap or ugly as the AirLive WMU-6500FS. The Inquirer has gotten its hands on the funky gray PATA- or SATA-ready media stealer, and they give it a pretty decent once over. The drive comes with 32MB of RAM on board, 4MB of flash memory for the OS, and 802.11g. The BitTorrent and HTTP / FTP server clients all reside in the box and are accessible through your web browser, allowing you to engage in all sorts of energy-saving activities -- like downloading lots of "films" without the need for any computers around. According to the review, the whole package can be yours for around $100. Of course, you can get all the thrilling details if you simply hit the read link.[Thanks, Tech Luver]
Inteset stuffs HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive in media PCs
Currently, there's just not a whole lot of options when you're scouting a pre-fabricated rig that does both HD DVD and Blu-ray on a single optical drive, but adding one more to mix certainly helps. Enter Inteset, which has just announced that an HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive will be an option in the firm's Maximus and Denzel media server systems. The machines will reportedly come loaded with CyberLink's PowerDVD Ultra software, support 7.1-channel surround sound, and sport an array of ports including audio in / out, DVI / VGA / component / S-Video, USB, FireWire, and antenna inputs for the TV tuners. 'Course, since the company recommends that you "contact a dealer for pricing," you should assume that this here HTPC won't run you cheap.
Twitching frog server gets called "art"
Similar to the previously seen Text-o-possum, someone's bad art project has spread, virus-like, to the internet, where we have to be subjected to its heavy-handed proclamations on the role of technology in modern society. This time it's "Experiments in Galvanism", a tiny server embedded in a dead frog, submerged in mineral oil, which is remotely made to twitch via Galvanism (the contraction of a muscle when stimulated by electric current). Of course, the piece's creator Garnet Hertz has a little more going for him than the Text-o-possum's architect. Firstly, besides the fact that the frog is dead, it actually does have a kind of server inside of it, and secondly, Garnet has managed to convince other people that he's put together something legitimately special -- which is half the trick of art, really. If you've been looking for something to wax philosophical over, hit the read link.[Via Wired]
Dragontech's ioBox-1000, your own private network
Have you ever dreamt of having your own, self-contained network in your house or office? Have you ever wanted to take full control of every aspect of a network -- banning, blocking, adding, limiting and deleting whomever you choose? Well listen pal, your egomaniacal dreams are about to come true, thanks to the ioBox-1000, a "network appliance" from Hong Kong-based Dragontech. Designed to eliminate servers and "centralize" networks, the company's odd looking purple box does a little of everything. The system, which acts as a wireless router, firewall, and VPN, as well as a mail, FTP and printer server, can also house your own, quasi-unique domain names (blank.ioboxusers.com), and includes a p2p blocker for when you really want to put the kibosh on your worker's / children's fun. The mysterious Dragontech claims all this power can be yours for less than $5 a day, which, assuming they mean $4.99, is $1821.35 per year. Enjoy, root.
DIYer hacks iBook into hardbound server
Not since the epic P-P-P-PowerBook! saga have we seen an Apple laptop wrapped up inside of a hardbound enclosure more suited for literature, but this hack manages to actually provide a hint of utility to those willing to undertake it. Upon receiving an iBook with a non-functioning screen, what better to do than strip the "i" prefix, trim down the inessentials, and wrap it in a hardcover book case in order to create a literal book server? If this sounds like your bag, the journey only requires a partially destroyed iBook, a bit of wiring knowledge, and a gutted book for it to call home. Personally, we'd pony up for a built-in AirPort card so it could serve media whilst parked elegantly beside Of Mice and Men, so be sure and give the read link a visit for the step-by-step if you're scouting new reading material.[Via MAKE]
iBooklet server
How we love enterprising geeks. "This machine isn't dead," they say, "it's prepped for re-purposing!"Thus was Jonas' thought process (maybe not verbatim) when he came across this 500mhz G3 ibook with a busted display. Other than the screen, the computer functioned perfectly, making it a good server candidate.He removed the display, optical drive and battery. Next he whittled the case down to the bare minimum that would contain the remaining parts. Finally, he went to a used book store and found a hardcover book that was slightly larger than the resized laptop and cut out all of the pages.He then used some plastic and velcro to secure the 'book in the book, put it on the shelf and the iBooklet server was born. He claims that there have been no heat issues. Still, I wouldn't go to sleep with that thing running.[Via Make]
The duct tape server
Sometimes a mod project comes along that makes you ask yourself, "Hey, is this really called for?" And then you have to think long and hard on the answer, but this may be one of those cases (literally) where the answer is unequivocally yes. Using four rolls of duct tape, a quarter roll of translucent tape, and a Pentium P4 (with mobo, assorted drives, etc.), "Team Boom Tape" have created what seems to be the first-ever server assembled completely from tape. Yes, tape. Hit the read link and revel in all the adhesive glory.
WoW TCG: At the Darkmoon Faire Chicago
I spent last Friday evening at Upper Deck's Darkmoon Faire event in Chicago, IL (actually Schaumberg, as our readers have pointed out). And once there, I learned all about the WoW trading card game. I got to meet both Ben Drago, who organizes these events for Upper Deck, and Mike Hummel, who developed and created the game with the rest of his team.I also saw lots of people playing the game-- there were beginner and advance tournaments running all weekend-- as well as a special section Blizzard had set up with Upper Deck to allow visitors to play on a special LAN server, where they ran scavenger hunts and PvP events ingame. Tons of people brought tons of cards, and everyone got to throw down and try to outlast their opponent's heroes more than once over the weekend. A gallery of pictures from the Faire is below-- thanks to Upper Deck for putting on the event in Schaumberg, and we can't wait to see you guys again at Blizzcon.%Gallery-4040%
Apple announces Leopard server features
Steve said today that there is only one version of Leopard, which isn't technically true. There are, in fact, two versions: client and server. The client version (which is what most people run on their desktops) got all the love at WWDC today, but Leopard server is also shaping up to be very nice.New to Leopard Server are: a new step up interface (which includes a widget) Podcast Producer: create podcasts and upload them to servers. This takes advantage of Xgrid for heavy lifting (and faster encoding) iCal server: uses CalDAV to create a robust calendaring solution Spotlight Server Xgrid 2 Leopard server will ship in October and cost $499 for a 10 seat license and $999 for unlimited.
It came from the Blog
Whether we are Horde or Alliance, trolls or dwarves, paladins or rogues, we all have one thing in common: our love of the game. Wouldn't it be great if we could all play the game we love together? Excellent idea. In the spirit of togetherness we are proud to announce the WoW Insider guild, It came from the Blog. Formed on the Horde side of the Zangarmarsh server, it's a place for us all to unite and put the Massively Multiplayer back into MMORPG. We want a chance to get to know our readers beyond just the comments and the odd email suggestion. Now, we all have home servers with mains and alts that need love and attention. This guild is uber casual, so don't feel any pressure to level another alt to 70 in three weeks in time for the Karazhan runs. We are just coming together for a social hour, as it were, to chat, run some quests, and enjoy each other's company. Not sure what to expect? See our official guild rules for more information. If you are interested in joining us, our first group night will be tonight at 7 PM EST. Roll a hordie and meet us on Zangarmarsh. Whisper anyone in the guild and you'll get yourself an invite. Come play with WoW Insider!
Downtime and you.
You may be at work, busy as ever. You may be on the road, on a sales trip or vacation. You may also be at home, repetitively clicking on that button that might just let you into the virtual world we all love. Click, click, click...and the result is always the same: "Unable to connect to server." What do you do during your downtime? I, personally, enjoy a few hours with Youtube. If I really feel the withdrawal symptoms, I may even start clicking on game-play links...you know, just so it feels like I might be playing if I squint hard enough. Need some good ideas on how to pass the time?
