Incorporating suggestions from leading 3D application developers and researchers, ATI collaborated with Microsoft Corporation to improve the versatility, efficiency and usability of the existing Microsoft DirectX 8.0 Pixel Shader and Vertex Shader specifications, enabling 3D game developers to easily custom-program and then create the most finely-detailed and realistically-lit computer-generated images possible. The results of these efforts are available to developers for the first time with the release of DirectX 8.1, which enables the full capabilities of SMARTSHADER technology. The full feature set is also available in OpenGL, using extensions developed by ATI.

"Developers of 3D applications have always had a difficult time creating truly realistic computer-generated characters, objects and environments in computer games,'' said Toshi Okumura, Senior Product Manager, Desktop Marketing, ATI Technologies Inc. "This is a result of limited processing power and restricted flexibility found in existing graphics hardware."
[Comment on SharkyForums]

OCZ Technology group has released the OCZ TITAN 3 video card. The Titan 3 is based on the Nvidia Geforce 3 chipset and boasts features such as 3.8ns 526Mhz (2 x 263) DDR ram running at speeds of 515Mhz, GPU speeds of 215Mhz, improved 2D quality and pure copper ram cooling.

TITAN 3 Specifications:

• NVIDIA GeForce 3 GPU running at 215Mhz
• 64 meg DDR RAM running at 515Mhz
• Improved RF I filtering for maximum 2D clarity
• Copper Ramsinks for improved memory cooling
• Original Blue Orb GPU Cooler for improved GPU cooling
• S-VIDEO and DV output
• High Definition Video Processor for full screen and HDTV video playback
• AGP 2x/4x
• Full API support

The Titan 3 will be released in a retail box and OEM version. The OEM version in an effort to remain more cost effective for system builders will not include the copper ram coolers. The Titan 3 64megabyte version is expected to begin shipping July 21, 2001.
[Comment on SharkyForums]

(Press Release) AMD has announced an alliance with Steinberg Media Technologies AG to fully optimize Steinberg's complete range of professional audio software for the AMD Athlon processor. Cubase VST 5.0 R5, released in June, is the first Steinberg product that takes advantage of the AMD Athlon processor optimization. Other Steinberg products optimized for the AMD Athlon processor are planned to be available later in the year. This joint effort will help ensure that the complete line of Steinberg professional audio software runs smoothly and reliably on AMD Athlon processor-based computers.
[Comment on SharkyForums]

(ZD NET) Analysts say the chipmakers are likely to take a breather from their price war because further battles would likely hurt each company more than help them. With AMD's second-quarter earnings results now history, analysts say it's unlikely the two will continue their profit-draining price battle. Cutting prices further would erode each company's average selling prices. The result would likely hurt each company more via revenue loss than it would help it via market share gains.
[Comment on SharkyForums]

(Press Release) Belkin has announced an expansion to its Home Networking line with the introduction of three new products. Set to launch on August 1, 2001, are the Belkin 5-Port (F5D5130-5 - $69.99) and 8-Port (F5D5130-8 – Street $89-99) Network Switches, along with a 4-Port Broadband Gateway Router (F5D5230-4 – Street $129.99). All three devices join a new line of highly innovative and user-friendly Home Networking hardware products at Belkin.

The Belkin 5- and 8-Port Network Switches allow users to create a network as easily as plugging in a printer. Both switches offer users the ability to connect multiple computers over 10/100base-T Ethernet with a dedicated bandwidth for each port. By connecting their Desktop or Notebook Network Card into an open port on the Belkin Switch, users will be able to share printers and other peripherals, exchange data quickly between connected computers, and communicate via email. With Windows ’98, ‘98SE, 2000, or Me and a cable or DSL Internet connection, users can also share their Internet account with up to four additional computers for the 5-port version and seven for the 8-port version. This allows users to play multiplayer games, access streaming video and audio, or other high-end Internet functions.

The Belkin 4-port Broadband Gateway Router allows users to share a single Cable or DSL Internet connection with multiple home or small office computers. By connecting their computer’s network card or the uplink port on their Belkin Network Switch into an open port on the 4-port Router, users can create a dedicated Internet connection point that enables every connected computer simultaneous high-speed access. The Belkin 4-Port Broadband Gateway Router also protects a user’s network via a network address translation (NAT) firewall. The Gateway takes only minutes to install, and configures easily through the user’s web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. The Belkin 4-port Broadband Router features the same distinctive vertical design and the unique docking ring that the Networking Switches have.
[Comment on SharkyForums]

(Reuters) Toshiba plans to unveil its first personal digital assistant (PDA), due for launch in Japan next month and in the United States this autumn and aimed at high-end corporate users. The announcement comes barely one week after rival NEC Corp, Japan's biggest PC maker, said it would unveil its first PDA by the end of the year and also target the lucrative but increasingly crowded corporate market, where Compaq Computer Corp's iPAQ has met with an enthusiastic response. Toshiba's Genio handhelds, which at five inches by three inches are small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, will use Microsoft Corp's Windows Pocket PC operating system and a 206 megahertz StrongArm processor from Intel Corp.

The device will also feature two slots: one for SD (secure digital) cards and one for Compact Flash II, that can expand memory or add features such as wireless communications and can be used simultaneously, allowing users, for example, to listen to music while browsing e-mail. The standard version of the Genio will go on sale in Japan on August 20 and retail for about 70,000 yen ($560), while an advanced model with one gigabit of memory in a built-in microdrive will hit the market in late September at 100,000 yen.
[Comment on SharkyForums]

(Press Release) Micron Technology, Inc. has agreed to sell $450 million of warrants to purchase shares of the Company's Common Stock ($500 million, if the over-allotment option to purchase an additional $50 million of warrants is exercised in full). The warrants, which expire on May 15, 2008, are exercisable for an aggregate of approximately 26.2 million shares of Common Stock. The warrants were offered to investors at a price of $17.20 per warrant and are exercisable for shares of Common Stock at a price of $56.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $73.20 per share upon exercise. The offering is to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. No other details were given. The offering is expected to close on July 18, 2001, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The net proceeds of the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including for capital expenditures and working capital needs.
[Comment on SharkyForums]

Hardware-Related Reviews

• t-break has reviewed Plextor's 16X CDRW (Score: 9/10)
• The Tech Zone reviews the Global Win WAW38 P4 Cooler (Score: 9/10)
• NeoSeeker reviews Samsung's SyncMaster 150MP 15 Inch LCD (Score: 92%)
• GotApex? has posted review of the Computers Divine Inwin Alaska Case (Score: 9.5/10)
• overclockedcafe has a quick review of the Cyber Cooler NK-360 notebook cooler
• Hardware-Unlimited has a new review of Abit's TH7-Raid (Score: 9.5/10)
• GideonTech has reviewed the 1CoolPC's Socket AHO cooler (Score: 9/10)

Hardware-Related Articles, Round-ups Etc.

• Real World Tech has a KT7A vs. KA266 comparison
• SystemLogic.net has posted an article entitled "Stop Fanning the Flames Seeing Beyond CPU Zealotry"
• icrontic has the details on the latest KT7 BIOS, a new KT7A BIOS, and a new KG7 BIOS.