| Microsoft digs deep into Windows 8's hardware graphics boost, says fast just isn't slick enough Jul 24th 2012, 03:14  While Microsoft has been exploring the sensory experiences that will go into Windows 8, like sight and touch, there's only one thing that many enthusiasts care about: speed. To their delight, Redmond has just devoted one of its pre-release blog posts to showing just how much faster its hardware graphics acceleration will be in a Metro-focused universe. The goal is a hiccup-free 60Hz frame rate, and virtually everything in Windows 8 centers on that ambition. Baked-in transition effects, optimized geometry and even improved font rendering give modern computers a huge jump in performance versus Windows 7. Microsoft is just as keen to expose that power, as well: Direct3D 11.1 is now the root of all video acceleration in the pipeline, making it both easier and faster to mix 2D and 3D. All told, Windows 8 promises to get responsiveness freaks and benchmark lovers all hot and bothered. If either label describes you, the source link might satiate your lust until October 26th. Filed under: Software Microsoft digs deep into Windows 8's hardware graphics boost, says fast just isn't slick enough originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Building Windows 8 | Email this | Comments |  | Arduino Leonardo finally launches with new pin layout, lower price (video) Jul 24th 2012, 02:27  We caught our first glimpse at the new, simplified Arduino Leonardo at Maker Faire back in September of last year. At the time, we were promised a late October shipping date, but it failed to materialize. Finally, Massimo Banzi has taken the wraps off the slimmed down microcontroller and its now in stock at retailers across the web. The Leonardo sports a new pin layout, dubbed R3 (which the Uno has also been updated with), that will become standard across all Arduino boards. That's a big deal for shield makers who only have to design and manufacture an add-on once to ensure it's compatible with the entire product line. The new layout also adds some extra pins and versatility, especially in the realm of shields, which can use to the new IOREF pin to determine the voltage of the processor and thus its model. That means a shield doesn't have to be designed specifically with the new ARM-based Due in mind. The other big news is that the circuitry for converting USB to serial communication and the processor itself have been combined, which not only simplifies the design and drives down costs, but allows it to communicate directly with a computer and imitate all sorts of accessories (such as keyboards and mice). Best of all, is the price. The Leonardo, complete with headers, costs just $25 -- a good $10 less than the Uno -- while the headerless, solder-friendly version retails for $22.50. Check out the video after the break for a few more details from Massimo himself. Continue reading Arduino Leonardo finally launches with new pin layout, lower price (video) Filed under: Misc. Gadgets Arduino Leonardo finally launches with new pin layout, lower price (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 22:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  Adafruit | Arduino | Email this | Comments |  | Edifier's Spinnaker Bluetooth speaker system promises not to hurt you, sells for $350 Jul 24th 2012, 01:39  Despite what you might be thinking, what you're seeing above isn't a pair of sleek and very polished viking horns -- instead, you're gawking at an eccentric set of Bluetooth speakers. Adequately dubbed "Spinnaker," the rig measures in at a whopping 16.5 inches in height, and Edifier says the uncommon figure is specifically designed to "project sound toward the listener with front facing tweeters and mid-range drivers." The Spinnaker's compatible with nearly every Bluetooth-equipped (2.1+ EDR) device you may have laying around, but you'll have to shell out a mighty $350 if you're planning on adding these beasts to your sound setup. In any case, Edifier's got 'em up for grabs now on its website, where you'll also find the rest of the audio spec sheet along with some additional press shots. Continue reading Edifier's Spinnaker Bluetooth speaker system promises not to hurt you, sells for $350 Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless Edifier's Spinnaker Bluetooth speaker system promises not to hurt you, sells for $350 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Edifier | Email this | Comments |  |
