Apple releases OS X 10.6.3 update

Apple has released its third point-update, 10.6.3 for the Snow Leopard operating system, which has been touted to fix a huge variety of issues with the OS that early-adopters have had to deal with since the OS's release.

Most of the problems that are supposedly patched in the 10.6.3 release are system related, like compatibility issues, better Airport reliability, fixes for the Mail application and Time Machine improvements.

However, looking through the entire list of fixes reveals something rather interesting: the update does not seem to provide any security patches for the operating system, is which a little puzzling considering that the Pwn2Own hacking competition had just ended and companies like Microsoft are pushing out unscheduled security fixes.

The Combo Update which is downloadable from Apple's website here comes in an impressive package of 784mb, but those who use OS X's built-in Software Update might not have to deal with such a large file download as the combo update also bundles in previous updates as well.

Athlon II X4 review pops up, already available

INPAI have reviewed AMD's upcoming entry-level quad core CPU, the AthlonII X4 620, clocked at 2.6 GHz. As we know, Athlon II X4 based on thePropus die, are simply Phenom II X4 without the large 6MB L3 cache. As aresult, the Propus die ends up far smaller, and cheaper for AMD tomanufacture. This also represents the first time a quad core CPU isreaching the entry-level, around the $120 mark.

The review features comparisons to Intel's cheapest quad core CPU, the Core 2 QuadQ8200, clocked at 2.33 GHz with 4MB L2 cache. The Q8200 is priced atleast $25 more than the Athlon II X4, and with the Athlon's completelack of L3 cache, serious performance hits were expected, especially inthe gaming arena.

Surprisingly, the Athlon II X4 pulls through beating the Q8200comfortably in most tests. Gaming was a bit of a relative weak point for theAthlon II X4, but it matched the Q8200 very closely. Great value for a CPU costing significantly less. In addition, the Athlon II X4 overclocks remarkably well - a full 1+ GHz over stock clocks in the review - contrasted with the Q8200's limited overclocking potential.

The Athlon II X4 620 has been listed for nearly 2 weeks now in European e-tailers, aswe reported, and is now available at Neweggfor $125.99, with prices expected to drop further.

After a long wait, this finally brings a quad core CPU to the entry level - ending up cheaper than all Intel's dual cores, except the Pentium Dual-Cores and the Core 2 Duo E7500. Faster Athlon II X4s, as well as 45W versions will be arriving soon, along with the triple core Athlon II X3, which have one core disabled. While AMD will no doubt be overshadowed by the superb Lynnfield Core i5/i7 in the performance segment, their hopes in the more popular entry-level segments are well and truly alive.

Reference: INPAI

Asus launches new NX90 and N-series notebooks, promises great sound quality for customers

I am willing to bet that if one were to compile a checklist of the features consumers look for when purchasing a laptop, speaker quality will probably rank near the bottom, if at all. And it is easy to understand why: after all, notebooks are designed for the flexibility of work or entertainment while on the move, and blasting your notebook speakers at maximum volume while on the train or at Starbucks is the fastest way to earn yourself a spot in STOMP's webpage. Or more specifically, under the 'Ugly Commuters' section.

But to say that manufacturersare contented with things as they are would be a mistake: after all, the mobile computing industry has taken strides to provide a more surreal audio experience while on the move, but it comes with a caveat;such notebooksusually requirean output toa decent set ofaudio hardwarebefore any improvement becomes noticeable. This presentstwo set of problems: we don'texactly want to cart our impressive 5.1 setup out with us to the train or park, and cheap headphones will all but render any improved sound quality a moot point.

However, it seems that ASUS is determined to eliminate the hassle ofusing external output devices for better sound, and that is readily apparent in the new NX90 desktop-replacement notebook which was launched yesterday in Singapore.

According to ASUS, the Core-i7 powered NX90 uses speakers which are 10 times larger than those found in most notebooks today. This, in addition to the hardware being co-developed with Bang & Olfsen's ICEpower technology, allows the NX90 to attain audio qualities which are supposedly comparable to those found in full surround systems.

“This is the collaboration with ICEPower by Bang and Olfsen. We included a new direction of audio techinology, bringing audio to the consumer, bringing audio in portability....we'll continue to go on, to find more ways to innovate our products. that's where our commitment is; for our consumers to our business partners all over the world,” said Joseph Hoo, country manager for ASUS Technology.

Besides its sound quality, the NX90 also boasts a unique yet unconventional design:it features a polished aluminium surface instead of brushed metal or plastic, has two touchpads instead of one and thespeakers aremounted outside the notebook's frame, resulting in a slightly oversized yet elegant end-result.

Koh Siew Hock, Head of Southeast Asia Marketing for Intel, praised the NX90 for redefining the boundaries of notebook design.

“The Core i7 from Intel offers gaming performance but the real deal about the entire processor series is that it's very smart, it's very intelligent, it can adapt to the consumer and that is the kind of thing that ASUS has really built onand innovated on. And that product is the NX90, a very contemporary form factor. it challenges our conventional thinking of what a PC or notebook should look like, should feel like,” he said.

Asus also took the opportunity to introduce a new line of notebooks: the mainstream-oriented N-series which follow a more conventional design while still retaining decent audio quality, thanks to the company's joint-development with Bang & Olfsen. Available in 15-inch (N53JN) and 17-inch (N73JN), the N-seriesfeature Intel's Core i5 processors, dedicated Nvidia GPUs and will be available for sale immediately, along with the NX90. A 14-inch (N43JF) variant of the N-series is due to hit retail storenext month.

N43JF

N53JN

N73JN

Analysts are confident in RIM's revival with BlackBerry 10

RIM’s rally was spurred mainly by National Bank analyst Kris Thompson, who elevated his price estimate from $12 to $15. Thompson is betting on RIM’s early 2013 line up of new devices to propel the company enough to ensure their survival (at least for the time being).

Thompson isn’t RIM’s only fan though, as Jefferies & Co analyst Peter Misek changed his critical stance on the Canadian phone maker, and raised both his rating and price target for the stock.

RIM shares have risen in seven trading sessions in a row, reaching their highest level since May on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday, ending out the day at $12 CAD. (Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on a different date to the US, in case you were wondering why the stock market was open that day).

Share prices suggest that RIM may be back in business, and much of the new sentiment towards the company hails from the impending BB10 (BlackBerry 10) global platform launch in February 2013. Telecom carriers are welcoming the BB10 operating system and the devices that run on it with open arms, causing analysts to be more optimistic about RIM’s future.

While still not certain, RIM are reportedly “100 percent ready” for a January 30 launch of their new BlackBerry 10 devices. RIM’s COO Kristian Tear stated that the devices will be available in stores “not too long after” the tentative launch date.

Let’s wish RIM good luck, as more competition in the market is always a good thing. It keeps the likes of Apple and Samsung from getting too self-assured.

Source: yahoo

Apple's 7th generation iPod nano may come with built-in camera

The picture you see above is taken on Saturday from Taiwanese Apple-related blog, Apple.pro, which is well-known for leaking Apples hardware. However, the author could not verify if this is genuine. Itwas only a day after Aprils Fool, though it is unlikely this isa joke, seeing how the blog has correctly leaked each of the previous six generations of the iPod nano past years.

The5th generation iPod nano has received a built-in camera from the 4th generation, but the 6th generation which comes in a smaller, squarish form factor has the camera removed. Perhaps Apple would bring the camera back to the upcoming 7th generation after much feedback fromconsumers.

Source: Apple Insider