| Intel leaks: ValleyView chip could bring 4x graphics boost to netbooks in 2013 Mar 23rd 2012, 11:21 One of many reasons to still be excited about Ivy Bridge is the integrated HD4000 graphics, which are zippy enough to handle Skyrim at modest settings. Desktoppers may not be so enthused if they stick to discrete GPUs anyway, but the potential for better graphics in cheaper, low-power mobile PCs is huge. That's why we're hyped to hear talk of a forthcoming 22nm "ValleyView" processor, described by Intel insider Jesse Barnes as a "CedarView-like chip but with an Ivy Bridge graphics core". That implies HD4000 may not only be destined for desktops, laptops and Project Fionas, but for future netbooks too. Meanwhile, leaked slides (shown above and after the break) from an outfit called Advantech spill more beans. Listed under a chipset codenamed "Balboa Pier", the Cedar Trail successor is described as fanless, packing "4x Gfx performance" compared to current PowerVR-equipped Atoms, and scheduled to arrive early next year. Will it be enough to bring netbooks back into vogue? It can't hurt. Continue reading Intel leaks: ValleyView chip could bring 4x graphics boost to netbooks in 2013 Intel leaks: ValleyView chip could bring 4x graphics boost to netbooks in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  Phoronix, The Verge |  Jesse Barnes (Intel-GFX), Advantech (PPT file 1), (2) | Email this | Comments | | Angry Birds Space won't land on Windows Phone, Redmond gets no stars Mar 23rd 2012, 11:01 While no doubt swathes of Android and iOS users have experienced massive productivity slumps since Angry Birds Space came out this week, Windows Phone owners will be left staring at their spreadsheets. Peter Vesterbacka, chief marketing officer, at Rovio has told Bloomberg that there are no plans to release the latest iteration of the popular time sink on Microsoft's mobile platform. Despite the original game still being the most popular app in the Marketplace, Vesterbacka claims that "...it's a big undertaking to support it, and you have to completely rewrite the application." So, until a Series 40 version is confirmed, you bird slingin' Nokia fans will just have to wait. Angry Birds Space won't land on Windows Phone, Redmond gets no stars originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Bloomberg | Email this | Comments | | SugarSync 3.0 hits the iPad with revamped interface Mar 23rd 2012, 10:47 Cloud storage provider SugarSync has already rolled out an updated version of its Android app this month, but it's now already back again with a major new release for iPad users. That comes in the form of the SugarSync 3.0 universal app, but the updates here are all on the iPad side of things, including a completely revamped interface, added gesture support, and generally more effective use of the iPad's added screen real estate. As before, the app itself remains free, but you'll have to pay up if you need more storage than the basic 5GB service provides ($5 a month will buy you 30GB, with plans up to 500GB available). SugarSync 3.0 hits the iPad with revamped interface originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink iLounge | iTunes, SugarSync | Email this | Comments | | Western Union debuts WUPay digital platform, misses the point of convenience entirely Mar 23rd 2012, 09:53 Modernization's not for everyone -- just take a look at Western Union. That 19th century institution's finally getting its virtual act together, introducing a new digital payments platform today, dubbed WU Pay, that sadly does not involve laundering dough through the late, great ODB's hip hop clan. No, this forward-facing system, built upon its eBillme acquisition, takes a backwards approach, eschewing direct payment options for something more circuitous. Customers that opt-in for the service at checkout from any number of partnered merchants, like Kmart or Sears, won't have to link to their credit card accounts or even offer up any financial info. Instead, once the item is purchased, they'll receive a bill via email that can then be paid online or at one of the company's brick-and-mortar sites. Sound unnecessary to you? We sure agree. Now if only this innovation involved Marty McFly and Jason Alexander personally delivering those funds -- that's a service overhaul we can get behind. Check out the PR after the break. Continue reading Western Union debuts WUPay digital platform, misses the point of convenience entirely Western Union debuts WUPay digital platform, misses the point of convenience entirely originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:53:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink TechCrunch | | Email this | Comments | |
