Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Xbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-and-playstation-4-specs-compared/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-and-playstation-4-specs-compared/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-and-playstation-4-specs-compared/#commentsXbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared Microsoft today announced the next generation of Xbox technology, called the Xbox One. Sony previously announced the PlayStation 4 back on February 20, so we now have a full look at just what both next-generation HD boxes will contain.

After the break, we've assembled a chart comparing the two consoles and their various components. The two machines are surprisingly similar, with both using an eight core CPU, the same amount of RAM, and both containing a combo Blu-Ray and DVD drive. But there are some major differences, too: Microsoft has created its own chip for the Xbox One, and the PlayStation 4 controller contains that share button and the clickable touchpad. Prices for both units haven't been announced yet, but both will be available later on this year.

Continue reading Xbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared

JoystiqXbox One and PlayStation 4 specs compared originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipconsolescpugpuhardware-specificationshdkinectmicrosoftnext-genplaystationplaystation-4playstation-revealps3sonyspecstablexboxxbox-onexbox-revealTue, 21 May 2013 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[0x10c may charge monthly subscription for ship ownership]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/29/0x10c-may-charge-monthly-subscription-for-ship-ownership/#comments 0x10c will 'probably' charge a monthly subscriptionIn a recent interview, Mojang's Markus "Notch" Persson says he's thinking more and more that 0x10c, the Minecraft mogul's space-based PC title, may use a subscription-based monetization plan when it's ready to be sold. The idea's not cemented just yet, but Notch expects to have a multiplayer mode with the game called "the multiverse," and there will likely be cost associated with keeping all of the virtual ships running on a real server.

Each ship will require a "generator" to keep it running, so Notch's current idea is that "one subscription gives you one generator." Presumably, he says, multiple players could run around inside one ship, so you may pay a subscription and then invite your friends to join you on your vessel. But someone will have to pay to keep the game going.

Notch also talks a bit about how construction will work in the game: Players will likely build a ship's external features first, and then organize various components inside for different layouts or more options. And Notch says there will be "mining," in that players will have to find resources in the galaxy to use as parts, but he says it definitely won't be Minecraft-style. As Notch told us at PAX, work is definitely well underway, and we should see more very soon.

Joystiq0x10c may charge monthly subscription for ship ownership originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10cchargingcpuinterviewmarkus-notch-perssonmarkus-perssonnotchoculuspcpc gamerPcGamerspaceshipsubscriptionThu, 29 Nov 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Samsung manufacturing the PlayStation Vita CPU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/report-samsung-manufacturing-the-playstation-vita-cpu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/report-samsung-manufacturing-the-playstation-vita-cpu/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/report-samsung-manufacturing-the-playstation-vita-cpu/#comments For the PlayStation Vita, Sony is foregoing the hardware design strategies used for the PSP and PS3 -- custom, expensive, Sony-designed chips -- in favor of cheaper off-the-shelf hardware, which is one reason it can charge $250 for something that seems like it came from the future.

One example of this new strategy: a brief note on the Semiconductor Industry News site says that Samsung will manufacture the four-core ARM Cortex A9 CPU for the handheld, using a 45nm process. That saves Sony money on R&D, and saves us from having to read marketing about the purported magical abilities of another Sony chip like the "Emotion Engine" or the Cell.

JoystiqReport: Samsung manufacturing the PlayStation Vita CPU originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpumanufacturingplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitasamsungvitaFri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft's in-game CPU now available to download]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/minecraft-in-game-cpu-now-available-to-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/minecraft-in-game-cpu-now-available-to-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/minecraft-in-game-cpu-now-available-to-download/#comments If we were to wager a guess, we'd say the only way to really understand how that in-game CPU someone made in Minecraft operates is to actually get deep down in there and take a look through its gullyworks. Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of its creator, you can now do just that.

Continue reading Minecraft's in-game CPU now available to download

JoystiqMinecraft's in-game CPU now available to download originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpudownloadMarkus-PerssonMinecraftpcWed, 17 Nov 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/#comments A few details about Project Natal's technical capabilities slipped out alongside the holiday 2010 release window at Microsoft's CES press conference. The most revealing of these specifics is that the hardware will only siphon 10 to 15 percent of the 360's computing resources, according to a statement from Natal lead developer Alex Kipman. "Natal has to work on the existing hardware without taking too much hardware processing away from the games developers," Kipman added.

However, according to a report obtained by GamesIndustry, the processing power could have been further reduced. The original build for Natal included a chip that processed the "bone system," assumed responsible for creating a skeleton of the player in front of the device's glossy eye. However, in an attempt to lower costs, the chip was removed from the device's final build, putting that processing onus on the software that will utilize Natal.

In other words, it's extremely unlikely that any software will be able to have Natal support patched into it -- a fact that Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter says could help "serve to focus developers on Natal-specific concepts as opposed to revisiting old classics."

Update: Updated language to reflect that of the original source -- Natal will use 10 - 15 percent of the 360's overall computing power, not just its CPU.

JoystiqNatal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010compatibilitycpudevicehardwaremicrosoftnatalperipheralproject-natalXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia and Intel at odds over chipset license agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nvidia-and-intel-at-odds-over-chipset-license-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nvidia-and-intel-at-odds-over-chipset-license-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/nvidia-and-intel-at-odds-over-chipset-license-agreement/#comments
We don't wish to bore you with our extensive knowledge of integrated memory controllers or graphicular renderpipe cashays, so we'll simply leap to the core of this computer matter. Nvidia has responded to an Intel court filing, which alleges that a 2004 chipset licensing agreement between the two companies does not extend to Intel's future generation CPUs -- you know, the ones with integrated memory controllers.

Nvidia has deemed this movement counter to the prior agreement, with president and CEO Jen-Hsun Huang saying, "We are confident that our license, as negotiated, applies." He sees it as a brewing power struggle, labeling his own company as the major innovator and Intel as attempting to "stifle innovation to protect a decaying CPU business." Nvidia claims that it has been attempting to settle matters outside of the court for over a year. Good luck to whatever judge has to decide which hardware giant has the bigger chip on its solder, eh? EH?

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqNvidia and Intel at odds over chipset license agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChipsCPUIntelLawsuitNvidiaPCWed, 18 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Impress Watch: Sony contemplating upgraded Cell for PlayStation 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/impress-watch-sony-contemplating-upgraded-cell-for-playstation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/impress-watch-sony-contemplating-upgraded-cell-for-playstation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/impress-watch-sony-contemplating-upgraded-cell-for-playstation/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, it's been only 690 days since the PlayStation 3 officially launched, but it's never too early to for discussion on the next next-gen consoles. According to reputable Impress Watch technology writer Hiroshige Goto (via IGN), Sony is looking into using an upgraded version of the Cell processor for the PlayStation 4.

Goto speculates that Sony's upgraded processor would feature between 10 and 20 cores (current Cell uses 8) and boast twice the power. Keeping with the Cell -- as opposed to developing a new chipset -- would not only be cost efficient for the company, but it would also likely prove beneficial to manufacturing costs, software development (it'd be a familiar architecture) and backwards compatibility. Remember: although this is from a reputable source, the news is unconfirmed and, given the PS4 is likely many years away, subject to change even if true.

Fun fact: There are approximately 1900 days (over 5 years) between the PS2's March 2000 launch and Sony's E3 2005 unveiling of the PS3.

JoystiqImpress Watch: Sony contemplating upgraded Cell for PlayStation 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcorecpuimpress-watchplaystation-4PS3ps4rumorsonyspeculationTue, 30 Sep 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Toshiba to use Cell-based chip in PCs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/toshiba-to-use-cell-based-chip-in-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/toshiba-to-use-cell-based-chip-in-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/26/toshiba-to-use-cell-based-chip-in-pcs/#commentsFiled under:

When Sony, Toshiba and IBM began development on the Cell processor, they had bigger plans for it than just running PS3s, and it looks like Toshiba has been hard at work to put it to more use.

Daily Tech reports that Toshiba plans to take the Cell processor out of the PS3 and extend it for use as a graphics chip in its notebook PCs. Toshiba has coined the new technology SpursEngine and should unveil its first laptop using the graphics chip at the CEATEC JAPAN 2007 conference in early October.

However, the truly interesting piece is DailyTech's speculation that Toshiba may have even more plans for the SpursEngine beyond just PCs. It could look to eventually implement the technology in other consumer electronics, including its line of HD DVD players. Now how dastardly, would that be?

[via FiringSquad]

JoystiqToshiba to use Cell-based chip in PCs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcell-chipcell-processorcpuibmsonytoshibaWed, 26 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 gets 65nm chips soon, 45nm in 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/360-gets-65nm-chips-soon-45nm-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/360-gets-65nm-chips-soon-45nm-in-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/360-gets-65nm-chips-soon-45nm-in-2009/#commentsFiled under:

PC Advisor is reporting that the new 65nm chips will be making their way into Xbox 360s soon with even smaller 45nm chips being used in late 2008 or early 2009. Chartered Semiconductor, Microsoft's Xbox 360 chip maker, stated that the design for the 45nm chips have yet to be finalized saying that "65nm just started production in the last two quarters, you would expect 45nm to come on stream about 18 months from that timeframe". So, we get confirmation of our cooler, more efficient 65nm chips making there way into 360s sometime this year with 45nm technology rolling out in a year or so. So we ask; Microsoft, where is the consumer's price cut? Oh wait ... there it is.

[Thanks, Iliad Force]

Joystiq360 gets 65nm chips soon, 45nm in 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpugpuxbox360Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[65nm 360 chips in production 'last two quarters' - 45nm on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/65nm-360-chips-in-production-last-two-quarters-45nm-on-the-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/65nm-360-chips-in-production-last-two-quarters-45nm-on-the-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/65nm-360-chips-in-production-last-two-quarters-45nm-on-the-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Though we're pretty confident the Xbox 360 price drop is coming sooner than "this Fall" - more like August 12th, if you want to be specific - we've had the entire Fall season marked on our Microsoft Executive Swimsuit calendar with "65nm chips" reminders. Those weary of the dreaded RROD have been looking forward to the smaller, cooler (and cheaper!) chips being included in the new systems, codenamed Falcon, but the extremely paranoid may want to hold off for the 45nm version.

"As 65nm just started production in the last two quarters, you would expect 45nm to [begin production] about 18 months from that timeframe," said the President of Microsoft manufacturing partner, Charted Semiconductor. That means production on those new even smaller and even cooler chips won't begin until late 2008, early 2009. If that's too long to hold off, take comfort in knowing that those 65nm chips have been produced for some time, and should be making their way to retail Xbox 360s soon (astronotip: Fall starts on Sept. 23 this year, so mark your various themed calendars).

Joystiq65nm 360 chips in production 'last two quarters' - 45nm on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>45nm65nmCPUFalconGPUXbox-360XenonWed, 01 Aug 2007 11:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Respectable Specs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/revolutionary-respectable-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/revolutionary-respectable-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/revolutionary-respectable-specs/#commentsFiled under:

Every Tuesday, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

Nintendo still hasn't confirmed any of the technical specs of the Wii hardware in detail, and we wouldn't recommend you hold your breath until they do. They don't want people making assumptions of what the system can or can't do based on arbitrary numbers and jargon. We do know that the Wii is much more than "two Gamecubes taped together." In addition to the revolutionary controllers, we get integrated Wi-Fi, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 48 MB more RAM, internal flash storage, an SD card slot, full-sized DVD disc capacity, and a new operating system and GUI that brings us software like Mii Channel, Photo Channel, Forecast Channel, and Internet Channel. Wii Shop and Virtual Console could not have been done on Gamecube, and with support for component output reintegrated, we can enjoy our old and new games in glorious 480p. That's a pretty long list of upgrades over the Gamecube, and it's in a smaller, more attractive package.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Respectable Specs

JoystiqRevolutionary: Respectable Specs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpudownloadsgpugraphicshardwareRevolutionaryspecswi-fiTue, 24 Jul 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The future of console hardware design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/the-future-of-console-hardware-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/the-future-of-console-hardware-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/the-future-of-console-hardware-design/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The next generation has just barely become the new generation, but the folks at Semiconductor Insights are already thinking about what might be under the hood of the next generation of consoles. In an article at TechOnline, SI manager Allan Yogasingam discusses how the focus of system design has tilted from simple cosmetics for the Atari 2600 to "cost, heat [management], cooling and [efficiency] test." in the 30 years since.

That cost bit might be the most important -- SI manager Greg Quirk predicts Sony and Microsoft will soon introduce 65 nanometer processors to reduce the costs associated with their current, 90-nanometer-chip systems. Yogasingam also predicts that the drive for cost reduction might lead console makers to look towards "second- and third-tier chip and software vendors " for the next generation. Someone better warn IBM that their gravy train might be in jeopardy.

What else is likely to be in the next generation of hardware? The SI team thinks 802.11n wireless, tilt-sensitive MEMS controller sensors and other entertainment features are likely to stay hot, but that's not exactly rocket science. Where are the bold predictions for things like laser cannon attachments and Holodeck-style projectors.

JoystiqThe future of console hardware design originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chipchipsCPUdesignevolvehardwareIBMmotherboardPS3semicodnuctorWiiXbox-360Tue, 05 Jun 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The amazing 360 GPU shrinks to 65nm this Fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/the-amazing-360-gpu-shrinks-to-65nm-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/the-amazing-360-gpu-shrinks-to-65nm-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/the-amazing-360-gpu-shrinks-to-65nm-this-fall/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to sources close to equipment manufacturers, later this year we'll be ushering in a new and improved Xbox 360 GPU. A Chinese report in the Commercial Times is stating that the new 65nm 360 GPU will be sent to production in May and make its way into Xbox 360 consoles later this Fall. And we all know the benefits of 65nm technology. So, anyone in the market for a new 360 or jumping in for the first time and going to hold out until the new 65nm technology makes it into the console? Or could you care less unless it would involve an Xbox 360 price cut?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqThe amazing 360 GPU shrinks to 65nm this Fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmcpugpuhardwarexbox 360Xbox360xenosMon, 30 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 may boost Rosetta@Home project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/360-may-boost-rosetta-home-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/360-may-boost-rosetta-home-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/30/360-may-boost-rosetta-home-project/#commentsFiled under:

We previously reported on the idea of bringing the Playstation 3's Folding@Home project to our Xbox 360s and the impact it could have. But now it isn't looking like the Folding@Home project will be receiving any 360 love, instead Gizmodo thinks Microsoft may be supporting another folding project called Rosetta@Home. Rosetta@Home is very similar to the other folding project where computing power helps with protein folding which in turn helps find cures for various diseases. What's most interesting is that on the project's forums, a project scientist acknowledged the possibly of a Xbox 360 partnership by saying they "have been discussing this idea with Microsoft quite a bit over the past several weeks". Interesting, no?

We're still interested in this whole donating CPU power to a good cause thing and still think it's a pretty good idea. It would give those of us who want to an option to donate our 360's computing power to ultimately help disease research. Can you say teamwork FTW?

[Thanks, AoE]

Joystiq360 may boost Rosetta@Home project originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cpudonatefoldingrosettaxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smaller 360 CPU delayed until mid 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/26/smaller-360-cpu-delayed-until-mid-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/26/smaller-360-cpu-delayed-until-mid-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/26/smaller-360-cpu-delayed-until-mid-2007/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft has been planning on reducing the chip size of the 360's CPU since inception, but it looks like it's going to be a while longer before that actually happens. Digitimes reports that the large 90nm chip that's currently in the 360 will be shrunk down to a nicer 65nm, but not until mid 2007 because of a delay. The benefits of shrinking a CPU are not only cost reduction, but less power consumption, and less heat is generated. When a gaming console's innards get smaller and cost less, that can only mean good things for consumers and a possible price reduction may be in the distant future. And since the new smaller chip will need less power maybe we can finally reduce the size of that huge power brick.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSmaller 360 CPU delayed until mid 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65nmcpupowerxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 26 Dec 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AMD to keep ATI brand, may create more integrated chips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/amd-to-keep-ati-brand-may-create-more-integrated-chips/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/amd-to-keep-ati-brand-may-create-more-integrated-chips/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/08/amd-to-keep-ati-brand-may-create-more-integrated-chips/#commentsFiled under: ,

After some initial rumblings that indicated otherwise, AMD has reaffirmed their desire to attach the ATI brand to several of their forthcoming product lines. "The ATi name will live on at AMD as our leading consumer brand, and so will the Radeon brand and other ATi product brands," says spokesperson Eric DeRitis. "AMD's executive management knows very well the power and value of branding, and ATi's branding is some of the most valued in the global technology industry. As such, we plan to keep it. Period."

The nature of the products to be branded as such have yet to be fully disclosed, but already AMD is hinting at providing more integrated graphics solutions. Indeed, the branding may become especially vital when faced with the widespread (and arguably correct) perception that "integrated graphics" is merely a shorter term for referring to that worthless piece of tech that came with your computer and can barely push two frames per second in the latest Tiger Woods game. According to their marketing manager for Europe, AMD sees integrating graphics acceleration directly into the CPU as the next logical step.

"So, in much the same way as a floating point unit is now integrated into the processor, I would expect to see joint single pieces of silicon for certain specialist markets too." Richard Baker restrains the idea a bit, though, and says that AMD won't "integrate some steaming great big quad-core CrossFire engine into a CPU; that would be crazy. But if you're looking at entry level parts for emerging markets, where a very simple GPU could be integrated, then that could be possible."

The true fallout of the AMD/ATI deal will likely become most evident once the new product lines show up which, if Baker is to be believed, could happen as early as next year.

Read - AMD stays hand over ATI brand axe
Read - AMD hints at integrated graphics and physics acceleration in CPUs

Previously:

JoystiqAMD to keep ATI brand, may create more integrated chips originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDATICPUGPUIntegrated graphicsIntegratedGraphicsIntelNvidiaPCphysics accelerationPhysicsAccelerationTue, 08 Aug 2006 21:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Calling all skeptics: Wii leaked info [Update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/calling-all-skeptics-wii-leaked-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/calling-all-skeptics-wii-leaked-info/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/calling-all-skeptics-wii-leaked-info/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Could everything we need to know about the Wii (sans release date) really have been leaked by some dude known only as "TheGuy" to Max Console? They insist the specs are on the level, and they seem realistic enough, but we can't help but suspect that TheGuy may be on some crazy revenge tear because someone peed on his rug.

Max Console broke the news on Sunday and have since posted an update they insist comes from TheGuy boggling at fans crying foul over the feasible fakery of this fortuitous news flash. Max Console claims TheGuy is an "anonymous developer," and we all know how reliable those guys are.

The announcement is peppered with details we already knew, which is part of why it seems so real. The Wii will play GameCube games, but boast a faster, more powerful system? Check. Supports GameCube controllers? Check. More peripherals planned? Check. Here's a taste of the rest:

  • Opitcal [sic] Disc Drive (ODD) supports single and dual layer Wii disks, discs eject with software or button and the maximum read speed is the equivalent of DVDx6 ... Inserting a disc will start the Wii console, even if it was already in an off state. Pressing the eject button will change the console to an on state to take out the disc also.
  • Internal non-removable 512MB flash memory used to storage game save data and downloadable content thus eliminating the need for a memory card.
  • The following interfaces are included with the Wii; SD card slot, Wireless controller, two USB 2.0 ports, wireless LAN, 4x GC controller ports, 2x GC memory card slots and an AV multi output jack (only an analog jack).
  • (Regarding the CPU): Operating speed: 729 MHz ... Bus to main memory: 243 MHz, 64 bits (maximum bandwidth: 1.9 gigabytes/sec) ....

The information about the CPU and GPU were the later additions. Apparently, when it comes to being called a fake, TheGuy minds. TheGuy minds and this will not stand, man.

[Update: Fixed mysteriously missing link to Max Console. Hmm. Further proof?]

JoystiqCalling all skeptics: Wii leaked info [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 06:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backwards compatibilityBackwardsCompatibilitycontrollerCPUhardwareperipheralsMon, 31 Jul 2006 06:55:00 EST<![CDATA[ATI responds to Nvidia, clears up post-takeover rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/ati-responds-to-nvidia-clears-up-post-takeover-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/ati-responds-to-nvidia-clears-up-post-takeover-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/27/ati-responds-to-nvidia-clears-up-post-takeover-rumors/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not too long after Nvidia CEO, Jen Hsun-Huang, described AMD's purchase of ATI as a "gift" and as a sign of their main competitor "throwing in the towel," comes this retort from the newly formed CPU-GPU monster:

"The PC market is a tough place to be without any friends. ATI now has all the resources of AMD behind it, and will be producing faster, more compact GPUs and reaching the channel more effectively than ever before. Nvidia's words are bravado, designed to confuse the market while the company tries to find a way to compete now that it's standing alone."

Oh my, such comments are in desperate need of thermal paste and an officially endorsed heatsink and fan combination! Or, um, burn. While Nvidia is hardly "alone" in the market, the point ATI makes is not entirely without merit. In a considerably competitive hardware market, combining resources and technology couldn't easily be labeled as a terrible strategy and certainly not as a white flag flapping in the wind. Both companies have valid points -- we'll see which is more convincing once they start releasing their next generation of wares.

The rest of AMD's response is aimed at several rumors that have cropped up since the original takeover announcement. They pledge to remain committed to GPUs and to support graphics solutions on Intel platforms, rubbishing the suggestion that Intel is revoking ATI's license. Perhaps that's where Nvidia and ATI can agree: having a strange PC hardware format war would be unpleasant for all parties involved.

[Via Voodoo Extreme, thanks devian!]

JoystiqATI responds to Nvidia, clears up post-takeover rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDATICPUGeForceGFXGPUIntelNforceNvidiaPCPentiumRadeonThu, 27 Jul 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia on ATI: "basically throwing in the towel"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nvidia-on-ati-basically-throwing-in-the-towel/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nvidia-on-ati-basically-throwing-in-the-towel/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/nvidia-on-ati-basically-throwing-in-the-towel/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems that graphics powerhouse Nvidia is reacting rather well to news of AMD scooping ATI off the corporate shelf and filling in coupons to the value of $5.4 billion at the checkout counter. Speaking to BusinessWeek Online, Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang described the purchase as a "gift", presumably whilst reclining in a henhouse, sipping cocktails and counting objects of some kind. He went on to say that ATI was "throwing in the towel, leaving us as the only stand-alone (graphics chip) company in the world." Of course, not being a stand-alone graphics chip company hasn't stopped Intel from competing in that market, so perhaps winning the "who can be the last stand-alone company" competition isn't all that important.

More importance can be found in the repercussions of such a large purchase. There are concerns that AMD's debt-to-capital ratio might take a turn for the worse after the company took out a $2.5 billion term loan to cover some of the purchase. Intel and Nvidia's chummy relationship may also prove to be a stumbling block should ATI's graphics chips ever be locked out of Intel machines. Still, AMD cautiously considers the potential benefits, such as major cost reductions and an entry point into the Intel-dominated laptop arena, to be worth the price and effort.

Mr. Huang's expectations may turn out to be accurate in the long run, but in an industry that was once ruled by 3dfx Interactive (remember Glide?), anything can happen.

JoystiqNvidia on ATI: "basically throwing in the towel" originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dFXAMDATICPUGPUGraphics cardsGraphicsCardsIntelJen-Hsun HuangJen-hsunHuangNvidiaPCTue, 25 Jul 2006 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaming products dominate top tech list [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/gaming-products-dominate-top-ten-tech-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/gaming-products-dominate-top-ten-tech-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/01/gaming-products-dominate-top-ten-tech-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

PC World's list of top 100 tech products of the year praised our sister blog Engadget and gave Apple lots of love but the categorical winner of the list is undoubtedly gaming. The following products aren't all directly gaming related (you could use some of them to run spreadsheets) although there's a quite clear video gaming subtext underlying many of the choices. Lets just say that they're as close to being gaming technology as Uri Geller is to being locked up in an asylum.

1. Core Duo - the first chip to enable desktop level performance in games on laptop computers.
2. Athlon 64 X2 - for that ultimate gaming rig you always wanted (but couldn't, and still can't, afford).
10. Boot Camp - Apple's Mac gaming solution.
16. GeForce 7600GT - hits that price/performance sweet spot.
19. Guitar Hero - we think that this is some kind of video game.
55. Raptor X - 10,000RPM Hard Drives were invented for gaming.
58. X1900 XTX - ATI's biggest, baddest GPU. Stupid name though.
63. A8N32 mobo - it's all about the SLI, baby.
89. Xbox 360 - we've heard of this! Isn't it designed to hold your lunch?
92. GeForce 7900 GTX - nVIDIA's biggest, baddest GPU. Stupid name though.

I personally own several products identical or similar to products on this list (a MacBook with a Core Duo CPU running Windows via Boot Camp is being used to write this post - I'm off for some Eve Online in a sec). Do you agree with these choices? What's missing?

P.S. If anyone from PC World is reading this, I apologize for desecrating your logo.

[Update: "top tech," not "top ten tech". Thanks Ahms!]

JoystiqGaming products dominate top tech list [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10,000RPM64 X264X2AppleAsusAsus motherboardAsusMotherboardAthlonATIBoot CampBootCampCore DuoCoreDuoCPUEngadgetgamingGeForce 7600GeForce 7900Geforce7600Geforce7900GPUGuitar HeroGuitarHeroHard DriveHardDriveIntelMacnVIDIAPCprice/performanceRaptor XRaptorXSLItop 100Top100TUAWUri GellerUriGellerX1900Xbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Thu, 01 Jun 2006 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 to get CPU upgrade in 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/xbox-360-to-get-cpu-upgrade-in-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/xbox-360-to-get-cpu-upgrade-in-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/xbox-360-to-get-cpu-upgrade-in-2007/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a joint announcement, Microsoft and the manufacturer of the Xbox 360's CPU, Chartered Semiconductor, have announced that the console's processor will receive an upgrade in 2007. The upgrade will move the chip's design to a 65nm manufacturing process (the existing CPU is based on 90nm technology) which will provide lower power consumption and a smaller heat output. It's expected that the upgrade will not alter the processor's performance as this could cause compatibility issues with games already released or currently under development for the Xbox 360.

Although the launch of the Xbox 360 was touted by Microsoft as a successful one, a vocal minority of people reported that their consoles were crashing due to overheating. VNUNet points out that console manufacturers often take advantage of new processor technology as it becomes available, so this may not be a direct response to Xbox 360 overheating issues.

[Thanks, SloopyDrew. Via VNUNet]

JoystiqXbox 360 to get CPU upgrade in 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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