Apple Secedes from Environmental Certification Group

Software and hardware developer Apple has officially pulled its products from the certification process of EPEAT.

While Apple has long marketed its electronics as "environmentally friendly," citing it's numerous awards from the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, the company can no longer make such claims.

Robert Frisbee, EPEAT CEO, said "They were important supporters and we are disappointed that they don't want to see their products measured by this standard anymore."

Though large companies and the US Government see fit to order a vast majority of their electronics from the EPEAT-certified list, Apple's direction with its devices has made it unfit to remain on this list. One of the main reasons is that EPEAT requires that electronics be easy to disassemble, aiding in the recycling process. Apple's efforts to make their electronics sealed and "safe" from user tampering flies right in the face of this specific requirement.

EPEAT calls itself the "leading global environmental rating system, connecting purchasers to environmentally preferable choices and benefiting producers who demonstrate environmental responsibility and innovation." Though it is unsure what the loss of such a powerful corporate standing will mean for Apple's sales and standing as a company, Apple executives seem confident that they will do better without the EPEAT's involvement than with it.

Obviously they must, or they would not have made such a decision to leave the EPEAT environment club. As for what this particular decision may have on their sales and marketing, only time will provide the answer.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57468103-37/apple-bows-out-of-program-for-environment-minded-products/

Fujitsu Offers Classes to Those Interested in Computer Building

August 9 will be the kick-off of Fujitsu's Hands-On Custom PC Assembly Service, a program dedicated to teaching average people how to assemble their very own computer.

Building on their previous experience running PC assembly workshops since 2004, Japanese electronic company Fujitsu has decided to provide a hands-on course that makes building a computer easy to understand. With many different options to choose from, the company's program will teach customers the ins and outs of building a PC from scratch, while also allowing them a fair amount of freedom in customizing their first creation.

The program provides a simple assembly kit, broken up into 15 sections of different components. These sections make it easier to identify the electronic components, aiding the instruction and assembly processes of the course.

While the Hands-On Custom PC Assembly Service is currently only available in Japan, the success of such a program would inspire companies all over the world into similar endeavors. This would certainly be an interesting turn for a tech industry largely invested in providing consumers with a finished, simple, intuitive product. Arming everyday citizens with the know-how to competitively price and create their own machine may just spark a surge in parts manufacturing, while also potentially slowing the market for pre-built computers.

Fujitsu's program offers the chance for people of any amount of technical knowledge to participate. They have tailored their system to allow new-comers an easy way to learn, yet also to provide tech-gurus a chance to sharpen their skills and perhaps learn something new. In a world that is becoming more and more computer-based, the ability to understand and build such machines on a deeper level would seem a great asset to anyone. Here's to hoping the course is a success.

http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/07/06/fuji-wants-to-teach-you-to-build-a-pc/

Internet Blackout Scheduled for Thousands of Users

The Internet, a perpetual source of connection and information, will be going dark for nearly 304,000 users on Monday, according to the FBI.

In November of 2011, the FBI caught and arrested six Estonian hackers on charges for designing and distributing a powerful computer virus, called DNSChanger. This virus would redirect customer's web searches, giving bogus search results with bogus advertisements. The sites that web users were sent to were dangerous in and of themselves, automatically downloading even more viruses and spyware onto their computers.

The true danger of this malicious virus, however, is the ability that it had to block virus scan programs from updating. Virus scan programs are used to clean your system of these kinds of dangers, but DNSChanger would stop your program from updating its virus database, meaning that no matter how many times you scanned your computer, it wouldn't ever realize there was a problem.

This capability was the most perplexing to users, as their software reported no problems, but it was also part of what made it so hard for computer gurus to fix. A virus this good at hiding its tracks requires extensive know-how in order to clean up, and many users still have the virus.

The FBI commissioned servers to be temporarily created, allowing users with the DNSChanger virus to retain their access to the internet. Users were contacted as quickly as possible, warned of the virus, and given instruction and directions to remove it as quickly as possible. Due to the large number of infected computers, the FBI have had to leave the servers up past their intended shutdown time.

On Monday, however, the servers will be shutdown regardless of the 304,000 people who still haven't cleaned up the virus. Access to the world's most pervasive and powerful resource of information, gone in the blink of an eye. Getting the virus cleaned up without internet access could prove to be a very tricky process.

http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/06/technology/dnschanger/index.htm

Microsoft Sweetens the Deal on Windows 8

Microsoft Windows has always been pricey, but it looks like the software giant is making a move to relieve some of that pressure.

In a somewhat surprising move, Microsoft made a statement yesterday that lowered the price of Windows 8 to around $40, given that customers meet the requirements for the low price.

From Microsoft's Windows Blog, "Starting at general availability, if your PC is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99..." This seems to follow directly in the footsteps of Apple's recent decisions to lower their OS upgrading prices as well, with the new Mountain Lion OS upgrade honing in on around $20 for current users.

Windows 8 is quite a change in direction for Microsoft's flagship OS, which has always catered to standard desktops ever since the days of MSDOS. The theme of the operating system is called "Metro," and it focuses mainly on touch screens and mobile devices. Even the desktop versions feature a much more mobile feeling, and that has caused a lot of controversy among PC users, especially in the gaming community.

"I like Windows the way it is, the classic desktop feel is what I'm used to. Who knows what will happen if I were to upgrade my PC, what kind of compatibility problems might come up?" said one gamer who insisted that he would wait to upgrade, if ever. "It seems to me like jumping into a pool of water without checking to see how deep it is."

Microsoft, however, has gone a step further in assuring sales for its new product. Customers who purchase a Windows 7 PC between now and January 31, 2013, will be able to upgrade for merely $15. This certainly seems like it is designed to carry Windows through the holidays, which is presumably when Windows 8 will become available to the public.

Windows 8 has a lot riding on its shoulders. The fate of Microsoft's definitive product could be hanging on this single piece of programming. If it holds up, Microsoft stands to catapult itself into even greater riches. If it crashes, then there is no telling what might happen to the software company.

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/02/upgrade-to-windows-8-pro-for-39-99.aspx

Google Bringing Jobs Back to the United States

Google's recent release of the Nexus Q multi-media device has an interesting message inscribed on it: "Designed and Manufactured in the U.S.A."

Economic predictions abound as rising costs of labor in China and other popular outsourcing locations cause companies to look at the possibilities of moving manufacturing plants back home.

Author Howard L. Sirkin of the Boston Consulting Group wrote: "A surprising amount of work that rushed to China over the past decade could soon start to come back... and the economic impact could be significant. We're on record predicting a U.S. manufacturing renaissance starting by around 2015."

According to Andy Rubin, Google's Vice President of their Android OS, "We've been absent for so long, we decided: Why don't we try (U.S. manufacturing) and see what happens?"

The Nexus Q has been said by Google to be "the world's first social streaming player," and can interface with countless devices in your home. From smart-phones and tablets, to TV's and computers, the Nexus Q can communicate with them all.

While the exact location of this US factory is unknown, it is reported to be near Google's headquarters of Mountain View, California. The New York Times indicated that what seemed to be hundreds of employees were working at the factory, creating rare thing: a mass produced electronic device, completely assembled in the United States.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/28/tech/mobile/google-nexus-q-usa/index.html

Google to sell prototypes of Google Glass

There are always people who will tell you that technology gets in the way of interaction with the real world. That, however, may no longer be a problem.

Google Glass is an innovative project, one that puts many of the capabilities in your smartphone right before your eyes. The company is designing high-tech glasses, glasses that can display text messages, hold video chat, and even take pictures and video.

"I think we are definitely pushing the limits. That is our job: to push edges of technology into the future," said Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google.


Google opened sales of the Glass prototype to roughly 6,000 programmers present at the Google I/O convention. Those who attended the three-day conference, which started today, have the chance to purchase the glasses for around $1500. The glasses will ship early next year, allowing the programmers to really get into testing and feedback for Google's technicians.


"This is new technology and we really want you to shape it," Brin announced. "We want to get it out into the hands of passionate people as soon as possible."


The glasses are designed to allow you to be in touch with both the virtual and the real world. They are low-profile, and designed to be intuitive to use.

The capabilities of Project Glass were demonstrated by a team of skydivers above the conference, and those wearing prototypes of the glasses at the conference were able to see a live-stream of the dive during the presentation. 


Google hopes to begin full production of Project Glass sometime in 2014, which is about when they will become available to the general public. 


http://news.yahoo.com/google-sell-prototype-futuristic-glasses-184136027--finance.html;_ylt=Asp455wAHHx788qcumi2HDcjtBAF;_ylu=X3oDMTNxZG9qZ3BvBG1pdANKdW1ib3Ryb24gVGVjaFNGBHBrZwM3MGFiNzUyNS05MDBhLTMxMmYtYWQ4ZC1kZWQ0YzNjNjYwN2MEcG9zAzIEc2VjA2p1bWJvdHJvbgR2ZXIDOWZiZjM2YTEtYzA5ZS0xMWUxLWJkN2QtOTE4MWIzZjM0NmRl;_ylg=X3oDMTFpcTZobnQ4BGludGwDdXMEbGFuZwNlbi11cwR

Microsoft Surface to compete with Apple iPad

Microsoft and Apple have long been rivals, and on Monday, Microsoft made its push to match and possibly dethrone the popular Apple iPad. The new Microsoft Surface, unveiled in Los Angeles, is a touch screen device reminiscent of the iPad, but with a few marked differences.

Running a mobile version of the new Windows 8 operating system, the Surface tablet will be a major move for Microsoft into the hardware industry. While Microsoft is largely thought of and marketed as a software company, Apple’s recent surge into the market has forced it to begin moving out of its niche and into new areas if it wishes to keep its super-giant presence in the technology field.

With a built in kickstand and keyboard, the Surface tablet is catered to business and personal life as an accessible and highly versatile device. The keyboard is implemented as a detachable screen cover that can fold out, with touch-sensitive areas for the keys. This particular feature makes in very useful in environments where quick, easy access typing is necessary.

One of the big pushes behind this new product is the functionality of Microsoft's new flagship OS, Windows 8. Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, said "We want to give Windows 8 its own companion hardware innovations."

In the build-up to the reveal of the Surface, the company was very secretive as to its plans. They called reporters with the date of the event, but did not tell them when or even exactly where until Monday morning.

For Microsoft, this is a huge leap into the hardware industry, and for those who enjoyed the funtionality of the iPad, the new Surface could provide an even stronger platform to stand on. That said, it could also be a colossal flop. Only time will tell.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/19/technology/microsoft-unveils-a-tablet-to-challenge-the-ipad.html?_r=1&ref=technology

Valve Releases Gift Cards for Online Distribution Service

For those of you who buy video games online from Valve Corporation's "Steam" platform, there are now roundabout ways to get those games in a store.

It seems ridiculous at first, but Valve has released pre-paid "wallet cards" that you can now buy in any Gamestop storefront. Many people might ask the question, "Why bother? I can buy and download my games from Steam itself, so what is the point of going to the store to do this?" The answer, actually, is a really smart idea.

Gamers everywhere often request games as gifts, whether for birthdays or Christmas, something like that. Often times they have to specify which games they want, because beleaguered shoppers don't know what they already have, or what they are interested in. These cards provide a nice way for them to simply go to Gamestop, buy a $20 or $50 dollar card, and then their shopping is done.

Steam users can then log onto their account and enter the card number, adding the money to their Steam account balance.

"Offering Steam Wallet codes at Gamestop extends more options and convenience to gamers around the world," said Jason Holtman, Valve's Director of Business Management.

PCGamer, a website dedicated to the news of the PC gaming industry, stated, "The move suggests that the relationship between Steam and traditional retail is warming, or at the very least that brick and mortar stores are learning that they can't ignore the digital distribution juggernaut."

While gamers may not buy the cards themselves, as there is no reason to, at least now grandparents everywhere can feel secure in the fact that they are giving their grandchildren something they will really enjoy. The alternatives, guessing on their interests or simply giving cash, are not nearly as desirable.

http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/05/14/steam-wallet-cards-are-real-in-us-stores-now/

Intel Produces New Processor Chip

Computer chip manufacturer Intel has outdone itself with its release of the Intel Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition processor. This is one of the first chips to incorporate hexacore technology, meaning that it runs like six processors in one. Those six cores allow for unprecedented multi-tasking capability, and each core is clocked at 3.3GHz speeds. Intel’s turbo frequency technology also allows for the chip to run at a blistering 3.9GHz while under single-core load. That’s only part of the chip’s potential, though, as this processor is also designed for overclocking, so that PC enthusiasts can configure the chip to run at even faster speeds than normal, with some people managing to reach 5.0GHz across all six cores. These speeds are unheard of in the processing industry, creating quite a buzz among PC gurus.

This is not all that Intel has to offer with the Core i7-3960X, however. 64-bit system support, along with a 15MB chip cache, ensure powerful and reliable interfacing with the newest RAM technologies. This is compounded by four memory channels, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 51.2GB/s. Intel Hyperthreading technology enables twelve threads, two per core, to be run simultaneously, while Virtualization Technology creates virtual system resources to run smaller applications. This frees up hardware to deal with far more intensive programs, such as games and graphical editing software.

The current price for this processor is around $1000 dollars, and it is complete far more powerful than most users currently need. The price and the overkill factor have made the chip a lesser used one, and usually only those with plenty of money or extreme processor needs end up purchasing it. If you are one of those two types of people, preferably both, this is the chip for you.

AMD Releases New Video Card

Current high-definition video technologies have just been rendered obsolete. Computer component developer  AMD has just released a brand new video card that has outstripped all competition, claiming the title of “World’s most powerful video technology.” The newly released AMD Radeon HD7970 is an exceptional video card, and is officially the most powerful in history. The engineers at AMD have created a brand new architecture, allowing them to produce the most powerful and striking visuals ever seen, while using the same amount of power and space as their previous releases. This new video renderer is capable of 4096x2160 resolution. This is in comparison to the current most common detail resolution, 1920x1080. This is hardly the only capability that this card has, however. With 3 gigabytes of dedicated memory on-board, DirectX 11 support, the latest advancements in rendering technology, and the fastest memory clock speed of the market, this card is getting 5-star reviews from any tech-forum to take a look at it. The HD7970 also takes advantage of the new expansion card technology, PCI-E 3.0, allowing for the fastest possible communication with other components of the computer. With all of these high claims, the gaming community was immediately watching to find out if the card actually lived up to expectations. Tech-review company Kit Guru stated:

“AMD's HD7970 is a lightning fast graphics card set to appease performance gamers who want the maximum image quality at the highest resolutions.”

“The HD7970 sets a new performance standard in the high end, ousting the GTX580 from the single GPU top spot, without breaking a sweat.”

Priced at over $500, the AMD Radeon HD7970 will burn quite a hole in your wallet. Most who have reviewed the card, however, say that it is certainly worth the cash.

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/7000/7970/Pages/radeon-7970.aspx#1