News for Wednesday, 29 March 2006

This iPod firmware update allows users to set a maximum volume limit, only for 5th generation iPods and iPod nanos.

iPod Updater 2006-03-23 delivers:
New iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod
New iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod nano
For all other iPod models, iPod Updater 2006-03-23 contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2006-01-10.
Important: After downloading the iPod Updater software, connect your iPod to your computer and launch the iPod Updater application. If iPod Updater determines that your iPod needs to be updated, click the Update button to install the latest software on your iPod.
Features of iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod and iPod Software 1.1.1 for iPod nano:
Volume limit
Bug fixes
For more information on volume limit, go to http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303414"

[Update] Thanks to Smart, one of our forum members, to notice that this update does NOT fix the bug with iPod radio remote in RDS mode.

In the PC world, the current strategy is to develop multiple GPU-based machines. nVidia has been initiating it with its SLI, ATI followed with its CrossFire system. The last high-end Dell computer we were talking about yesterday is an example of those multiple graphic cards-based machines.
We will not comment regarding the real benefit of having multiple GPUs especially if it is only for games; but rather consider that it would be of great help to boost Core video in order to get the best out of the GPUs to generate special effects as well as 3D rendering.
Currently, both GPU giants, for intellectual properties issues, do not allow third parties to develop multiple GPU systems (no licensing currently possible). nVidia is leading this race, and intend to keep it under control by maintaining it compatible only with its nForce chipset, while ATI manufactures itself CrossFire cards, but compatible with Intel chipset solutions.
In summary, if Apple decides to propose multiple GPU machines, it might have to use ATI offers, except if Apple goes one step further into the x86 transition by implementing a non-Intel chipset.
We think that such multiple GPU-based Macs will be available as BTO only with the first PowerMacIntel models, so earliest at the end of the year; and only if Apple can be convinced that such solutions can be of interest for Mac users...if not, for sure some skilled Mac users will try to make it possible.

Les numériques has testes a CD Scratch-Less media advertised as such.

And for once, the marketing campaign turns to be true. The media underwent without any problems all kind of aggressive tests.
If the resistance of this media against physical damages is now proven, nothing is known regarding its stability over time, and especially how transparency of the protective layer will evolve.

Ludomac has tested a Mac mini Core Duo with several games.
The machine is definitely not designed to play games, even from time to time. With UT2004, a game well known to be playable on most Mac models, the test has shown that with the lowest settings and with 640x480 resolution, the average FPS is 19...
Only old games, such as Nanausor 2 run more or less smoothly on such machine.
Of course, beside its inability for games, the Mac mini remains a excellent machine; but it might be frustrating for users to know that playing games (especially FPS) will not be possible.