Explore the Beautiful Siberia Valley with Unigine Valley Benchmark

Unigine an international software development company has released a new GPU benchmark software. The new GPU stress-testing tool is based on the Unigine Engine and is compatible with three major desktop OS – Mac OS X, Windows and Linux. The new addition in the lineup of Unigine’s benchmarks features a huge nature-inspired, open source 3D world highlighting the pristine charm of Siberia and named accordingly, Valley Benchmark.

Viewers can enjoy an amazing bird’s eye view or get detailed view of every leaf and flower petal. The objects are procedural generated with photorealism and are perfectly placed in 64,000 square kilometers computer-generated landscape. View the stereo 3D glory across multi-monitors for a spurious experience. Users can explore the valley freely and control the weather according to their preference. The highlighted features of the software are:

1. Per-frame GPU temperature and clock monitoring
2. Extreme hardware stability testing
3. Multi-platform: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux
4. 64,000 square kilometers of extremely detailed terrain
5. Advanced visual technologies: dynamic sky, sun shafts, volumetric clouds, ambient occlusion, DOF
6. Procedural object placement of rocks and vegetation
7. User-controlled dynamic weather
8. Free to explore in interactive hike-through or fly-by modes
9. Benchmarking presets
10. Support for multi-monitor and stereo 3D configurations
11. Highly customizable reports in CSV format
12. Command line automation support

It is available in three variations – the Basic (available for free), Advanced and Professional edition.

Adobe Issues Flash Player Security Updates

Adobe, the computer software company, has recently released an emergency security update for its popular product Flash Player. These updates are to address the two vulnerabilities that may result in possible crashes of the system.

The update focuses on OS X, Windows, Android and Linux users to whom the company recommend Flash update at the earliest. The updates are for Flash Player version 11.5.502.146 and earlier (Windows and OS X) and version 11.2.202.261 and earlier (Linux).

The Android update is for version 11.1.111.31 focusing on Android version 2.x and 3.x. All these updates are programmed to take care of threats that leave the systems open for attack. Thus, get the new updates to save your valuable data.

The flash player security update follows reports that CVE–2013–0633 is being actively used in attacks that trick users to open Microsoft Word document that is included in an email as an attachment. This file contains malicious Flash content which specifically targets Windows users using ActiveX.

Although, the threat targets OS X and Windows, Adobe has utilized the opportunity to issue security updates for Android and Linux as well. You can get the new version from Adobe’s official website and if you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 10 or Google Chrome, the built-in Flash Player will be updated automatically.

Virtual Grand Canyon hiking with Google Maps

I just love travelling especially the adventures places. Most of my vacations are spent as adventurous trips. These trips help me in getting closer to the mother nature in a better way and knowing more about the Earth’s history and geography.

Google Maps has always served as a great companion during my trips and now with the panoramic imagery of the Grand Canyon I will get more. Google Maps has released the comprehensive Grand Canyon imagery, which is one of the world’s most remote and breathtaking natural wonders.

These beautiful and interactive images covering more than 75 miles of surrounding roads are brought by the first ever Street View Trekker. The expedition makes the map of the area even more accurate, comprehensive and easier to use than ever before.

When I saw it, I was virtually hiking in the steep inclines of the South Kaibab Trail. It was a beautiful experience walking down the narrow trails and paths of the Grand Canyon, gazing at the mighty Colorado River, hiking down the Bright Angel Trail and exploring scenic overlooks in full 360 degrees.

A click of mouse took me to the Meteor Crater, which would otherwise take a couple of hours drive from South Kaibab Trail. I really appreciates Google team’s hard work for this imagery collection. Putting on the Android-operated 18 kg backpacks that carry the 15-lens camera system with a wound on foot and muscle cramps along the rocky terrain in temperature swings is not at all an easy job.

All this hard work brought 9,500 panoramas of this natural masterpiece, available on Google Maps. We can now explore the Grand Canyon National Park without waiting for warmer weather. A great effort, I am thankful to Google.

Canon Cameras Red Hot Promotion deals for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. It brings shopping, party, vacations and fun. What is your plan for this new year? I am going to buy something new for myself. I always do so, start the new year with something new. This time shopping will be more fun with Canon Red Hot Deals promotion as I am planning to get a new digital compact.

The CNY brings instant cash rebate of up to RM500 on shopping with Canon. Thanks to Red Hot Deals promotion, which will last until 24 February, 2013. Users just have to visit their nearest Canon Authorized Dealers or Canon Concept Stores with any used camera and enjoy up to RM500 cash rebates on the purchase of a brand new EOS M.

The powerful EOS M model is available in white, silver and black shades. This compact supports EOS system, interchangeable-lens system and is full compatible with new and existing EF-S and EF lenses. The versatile compact is equipped with a non-reflex mechanism that allows components to be housed in a lightweight and slim body.

In addition to EOS M, the Canon CNY promotion is also available for the EOS 650D. The EOS 650D is a high speed 18-megapixel camera equipped with an intuitive 3-inch Vari-angle Touch Screen interface. This makes it the world’s first DSLR camera with touch screen.

If you want to buy the PowerShot S110 models, you can earn a cash rebate of RM400. With 21.1 megapixels, this camera is perfect for capturing beautiful and mysterious night shots. It is powered by DIGIC 5 image processor, a large f/2.0 aperture and an enhanced HS system. It is available in three colours: white, black and silver.

New Shades of Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim

I spend my Sundays with my PS3 and I think this is the best way to spend a fun holiday. Sony has launched PlayStation 3 in 2006 and I got it in 2008 as my birthday gift. It is a real powerhouse with customised NVIDIA graphics chip and cutting-edge Cell processor. Then came the PlayStation 3 Super Slim, which was the most significant hardware update to PS3. When I saw the super-slim version, I wished if I could get it, but decided not to replace my current PS3.

However, now with the news of launch of new shades of PS3 slim CECH-4600C series, I am planning to get one. The new shades – Azurite Blue and Garnet Red will be available from 26, February 2013.

I think the shades are inspired by deep and calm shades of precious stones Garnet and Azurite. My favourite is Azurite. These two shades will join the existing Charcoal Black and Classic White PlayStation 3 systems, expanding the range to choose from.

The PlayStation 3 with 500GB Hard Disk Drive will retail at a recommended price of RM1,099 as a limited offer. In addition, PlayStation Vita fans will be get the Wi-Fi model in an Ice Silver colour. This new colour variation is also priced at RM1,099 and will be available from 6 March, 2013.

I am definitely going to get the PS3 super slim this time. What do you think about the Azurite Blue?

China Planning to lift the Ban on Gaming Consoles

Do you know gaming consoles are banned in China? It has been more than a decade since the year 2000, when Chinese cultural ministers banned manufacture, sale and import of game consoles due to ‘potential harm to mental and physical development of the young.’

However, a good news seems to be coming for game lovers in the country as an anonymous Government source from China’s Ministry of Culture said that the government is reviewing the present China gaming consoles ban. This could be a more good news for some of the major vendors in the field such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo who have failed to gain an official foothold in China.

There is a gaming console ‘iQue DS’ which is available in the country since 2005 with the help of loopholes in the system. This can be plugged directly into the TV to play several downloadable Nintendo 64 games. However, with the lift of the ban, the gamers will get to enjoy more games.

According to Ars Technica, a technology news website, it won’t be all game for game console vendors even if the gaming consoles ban is lifted. Challenges such as rampant piracy, bootleg games will be some of the hurdles they have to face for conducting a smooth business in one of the largest markets of the world.

A Great Graphics Workshop by ASUS and NVIDIA for Gamers

I am a crazy gamer. I spend most of my free hours playing games. January 26 was a great day for me because of the graphics workshop at the orange. Thanks to ASUS and NVIDIA for organising the gathering. Me and my friend had made plans days before for this workshop. On the day, both of us headed to The Arena, Orange Internet Cafe in Seksyen 2 Wangsa Maju for the LAN party and to our surprise the venue was filled with gamers crowd.

What I liked about the graphic workshop for gamers was it was conducted by Malaysia’s gaming darlings Chai ‘Mushi’ Yee Fung and Ashley ‘Summer’ Khoo. Wow! I had a great longing to meet them and finally it was fulfilled. Apart from conducting the graphics workshop, Mushi also gave us tips on how we can become a better DOTA player. Fans were getting posters signed by Mushi and Summer and taking photos with them.

The event went on till 8 in the evening. We enjoyed sticking around and playing games in the cafe. We not only interacted with other gamers, but also with power users and members of NVIDIA and ASUS team. They shared knowledge about building improved gaming rigs and overclocking.

The sales Manager, TASA DT GPU Segment, NVIDIA, Hugo Hsu provided details about the  efficiency of NVIDIA graphics card. He also spoke about the Project SHIELD. Overall, it was a great event and a perfect weekend for all the gamers in Malaysia.

Intel to End Desktop Motherboards Business

Intel, an American corporation renowned for designing and manufacturing processors, SSD, motherboards and essential technologies which serve as a foundation for computing devices is planning to step out from the desktop motherboards market. Let’s have a look on what made the company take such a step.

It has been around 20 years that Intel is selling branded desktops motherboards. However, the company has announced to exit from this portion of business as said by Intel spokesman, Dan Snyder. The company will begin the withdrawal from Intel desktop motherboards after the launch of its fourth-generation processors, Haswell CPU.

The company has planned to dissolve the business unit in the coming three years and  will focus on areas such as a reference design development and Next Unit of Computing (NUC) devices. This means that users will now have to depend on other motherboard manufacturers such as ASUS, Gigabyte  and MSI.

The main reason behind this decision seems the decreasing demand of desktop motherboards the world doesn’t really need as much as in the past. The demand is shifting to tablets and laptops and consecutively Intel is responding to changes. On the other hand, companies like Gigabyte, ASUS and Asrock are meeting the demand of desktop motherboards with a wide and innovative range. The news for Intel exit desktop motherboards would have surely come as a benefit for these manufacturers.

The company has recently reported about its plans to divert its resources to lucrative markets like tablets, Ultrabooks and smartphones. The company is also planning to launch its own TV set-top box to revolutionize the cable TV and IPTV market segments. The world is waiting to see if the company will maintain its position as the world’s top semiconductor manufacturer.

BlackBerry World: Revamped BlackBerry App World

Hey! All you BlackBerry users out there, a news for you. What you know as the BlackBerry App World has recently received a new name and makeover. The latest web storefront will now be known as BlackBerry World.

The users will now enjoy a sleek experience while discovering the amazing apps for personalising their BlackBerry smartphone and PlayBook tablet. The revamped store offers the new carousel which displays what’s latest and exciting. Thus, users can now access the information they want right at the homescreen in a new style.

The changes include separate location for Apps and Games. These will now be available in their own channels offering a wide range of categories. Users can now check out the top lists and also the new arrivals.

In addition to this, the Revamped BlackBerry App World brings in various amazing features. If you find any app or game cool enough to share with friends, just invite them to download it. Tap their smartphone together and simply share the app over BBM via Facebook and Twitter.

The new name will also become visible in the few upcoming weeks, on the PlayBook, followed by smartphones. However, the web version of the application is live. BlackBerry users will now enjoy a revamped and incredible BB experience with a whole new content such as apps, movies, music and TV shows.

U Mobile Introduced New UMI 48 Prepaid Plan

I like the services of U Mobile. It is Malaysia’s newest 3G service provider, which was founded in 1998. I appreciate the quality of voice and data services it offers. Well, the topic of the blog is that U Mobile has expanded its services with an official announcement of its latest Unlimited Mobile Internet 48 Prepaid Plan.

The new plan focuses on subscribers who consume a lot of data. It provides them with 2GB data, 100 minutes free calls and 30 free SMS to all local networks. The UMI 48 prepaid plan offers dual benefits to subscribers; one is higher data allocation and other is the reduction in the purchase of several UMI 28 plans. Thus, it offers convenience to experience high-speed 3G mobile network.

The Chief Executive Officer of U Mobile, Jaffa Sany Ariffin, said that the new plan will bring an element of convenience to subscribers and they will enjoy unlimited Internet access without worrying about several top-ups in a month. The higher data allocation will let the users do more with their smartphones while staying in touch with their friends and family. Thus, U Mobile 48 prepaid plan is an innovative product from U mobile.

UMI service is an extension to company’s other prepaid plans, which let users enjoy unlimited Internet even after they have exceeded prepaid data quota. The company came in the limelight in April 2011 with the introduction of UMI 28 prepaid plan that includes 500MB data, 100 minutes free calls and 30 free SMS to all local networks at RM28.