AMD Unleashes 1.1GHz Processor
Sunnyvale-based AMD announced earlier today that their fastest chip to date, the 1.1GHz, is now available. Major computer manufacturers including Compaq, Gateway, HP, and IBM plan to bundle new PCs with the coveted processor. Rob Herb, vice president of AMD noted, "By supplying the highest performing PC processors in volume, AMD has reshaped the performance segment of the market, which now extends from 800MHz to 1.1GHz. Because of AMD's superior product architectures, manufacturing ability, and outstanding execution, at any system price point, business and home users will get a more powerful PC with an AMD processor-based system." AMD has validated more than 10 motherboards which support the Socket A architecture.
For the full press release, click here.
First Windows Me Update Posted
The first Windows Me update has been posted to Windows Update. The patch fixes a few minor security vulnerabilities in the latest operating system, along with others running IE5. According to the description on the site, "This update resolves the "Scriptlet Rendering" and "Frame Domain
Verification" security vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. Download now to
prevent malicious Web site operators from reading your files when you visit their sites. These vulnerabilities do not give a malicious user the ability to add, change, or delete files on your computer." Visit Windows Update to download the patch.
3Com Beta Testers Needed
3Com has a few open beta testing programs available to those wanting some new hardware.
To be eligible, you must comply with a few minimum requirements, however none are substantially hard to meet. The first available test program is for 3Com's ADSL PCI card. The last date to apply is August 23. One of the more popular programs is the Gigabit Ethernet Server NIC test, which has a final signup date of August 15th. Like the test page says, "participating in a Beta Test is an exciting opportunity." For more information on the tests, visit the description page, or go straight to the application page.
X-Box Development Kits Released
Software giant Microsoft Corp. announced today that it has begun shipping its first X-Box development kits, or XDKs, to game designers around the globe. The XDK will be a 3-phase program allowing game developers to design their games on familliar Intel and NVidia chip architectures.
The press release also added, "Today's PC-based XDK system is designed to provide developers with maximum freedom to create. It includes early graphics hardware, a large hard drive, a beta version of DirectX 8, technical documentation, and off-the shelf game pads that simulate Xbox functionality."
Do you think Microsoft's first console will live up to the hype? Tell us what you think!
eXpanium Testers Notified
Earlier today, applicants to the Philips eXpanium BETA testing program were sent an e-mail regarding their status on the trial. According to the mail, on August 20, the company will announce retailers at which eXpanium will be available. The eXpanium player allows users to listen up to ten hours of MP3 encoded media on a CD.
PIII, Xeon Prices Slashed
Intel's family of Pentium III processors is now available at a lower price. The Santa Clara based company cut the PIII's prices by up to 24 percent. The 933MHz model dropped 10 percent, and is now $699, while the slower 750MHz chip is now $262. The PIII Xeon processors also received a price drop. The 933MHz is now $719, and the 866MHz is $515. Intel made no announcement regarding price arrangements on 1GHz+ chips.
Sun to Open StarOffice
This week, Sun plans to announce that its office suite, StarOffice, will be made open source. The title will be released under the GNU General Public License, one of the more popular open source licenses out there. Sun has made no announcement on the release date of the open StarOffice, however other sources have claimed that the software should be available this summer. It will be distributed at OpenOffice.org, currently owned by Caldera Systems.
Carmack Joins X-Box Team
Earlier this week, it was learned that John Carmack of id Software will be on the X-Box technical advisory board. id has not announced at this time plans to develop titles for the X-Box, however the company will participate in other development opportunities with the new console. Keep checking back as this story unfolds. What do you think? Has John Carmack joined the X-Box team to offer hardware advice? Or perhaps he wishes to gain inside information to develop games for the upcoming console...
Paint Shop Pro 7 BETA
Earlier today, Jasc placed a BETA version of their popular image editing tool, Paint Shop Pro 7, on their FTP. There is no need to sign up, and you may download it directly by clicking here. The site warns that some Windows 95 users may receive an error regarding MSIEXEC during installation, but this will not affect the install process.
Midtown Madness 2 Beta Testing
Starting tomorrow, you may sign up to be a beta tester for Microsoft's sequel to Midtown Madness, appropriately titled, Midtown Madness 2. The MTM2 homepage says, "At random times during the day participating sites will post the sign up form. Try one, try them all! But you'll have to keep checking and watching the sites for your chance to sign up!"
Microsoft's Second-Generation Optical Mice
Earlier this year, Microsoft Corp. introduced its new family of optical mice, which delivered unprecedented speed and precision, while eliminating the need for a mouse pad and cleaning procedures. Now, not even a year later, Microsoft will unveil its second wave of IntelliEye compatible mice, which are proven to be 33 percent faster than their predecessors.
The current Intellimouse optical mouse takes 1,500 images per second. The new additions to the IntelliEye family will take about 2,000 images per second.
Elections Hit the Net
This fall, the world's first cyberelections will take place, allowing users to vote on how they find sites and communicate with each other throughout the Internet. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) may assign new domain suffixes such as '.union,' '.banc,' and '.xxx,' to distinguish a site with specialized services from the rest of the Internet.
Internet users must register to vote by July 31. Out of the millions of Net clients, only 25,000 have registered. To find out more about the domain suffix changes, visit ICANN's site
Willamette Now Pentium 4
Intel Corporation announced earlier today that their code-named processor, 'Willamette,' will now be dubbed 'Pentium 4.' This new processor is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2000, and is designed to maximize the performance of future PCs. "Around the world, PC users associate the Pentium brand with the highest PC performance, compatibility and quality available," said Pam Pollace, vice president, Intel Sales and Marketing Group, and director, Worldwide Marketing Operations. The new Pentium 4 logo is available in Intel's Press Room, here.
Netscape 4.74 Soon
Netscape's FTP server recently put up their '4.74' directory, hinting that a new version will be released shortly. The latest version is expected to be released any day now, so keep checking back. You may browse Netscape's FTP here to keep updated on version 4.74's status.
Exclusive Interview: Rayland Interactive
Betanews recently recieved information on RedStorm's upcoming space simulator game, 'Bang! Gunship Elite.' Wendy Beasley, Senior Marketing Manager at RedStorm, answered a few questions about the game's developer, Rayland Interactive. Bang! is expected to have a demo on their site sometime next week, and should be available this summer.
Interview Questions:
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