Operating System - Page 17 of 40

Tracking warning in iOS 14: App providers are allegedly looking for workarounds

Apple’s planned tracking opt-in for apps could lead to the increased use of hidden tracking methods: Several game developers who suffered significant revenue losses through the use of iOS 14 fear imminent change, according to a report they want to switch to other, sometimes more invasive tracking techniques.

This includes, for example device fingerprinting, in which individual users are to be identified through a combination of hardware and software features, network information and usage behavior. Such tracking techniques are clearly prohibited by Apple apps, but depending on how they are implemented, they may be difficult to detect.

Fingerprinting and other tracking techniques There is no doubt that “everyone will try fingerprinting”, even if in the worst case it could lead to Apple being kicked out, a game developer from Ars Technica quoted – the planned data protection change is too great a business risk. The exchange of hashed email addresses among app providers is also under discussion in order to be able to track the use of different apps or games by individual registered users.

Access to the advertising ID embedded in iOS, which was previously used for tracking, should only be possible in the future with the consent of the user: Before accessing the advertising ID, the operating system displays a warning and gives the user the choice to agree to the tracking or to decline it. Developers fear that the majority of users will refuse their consent – and that the advertising ID can no longer be queried. Developers must integrate Apple’s new framework “App Tracking Transparency” (ATT) to access the advertising ID, which should be a mandatory requirement from the beginning 2021 will.

Advertising associations and Facebook against Apple’s opt-in Apple emphasized in advance that developers are not forced to change their business model, but the user must be informed about it – and agree to it. App providers could also explain what tracking is used for and why users should allow it. Large advertising associations have been trying for several months to torpedo the introduction of the opt-in. Facebook is also trying to put public pressure on Apple that the tracking opt-in is anti-competitive, according to the social network.

(lbe)

heise + | Use desktop virtualization under Linux easily and reliably

With a virtual machine, Windows can be used on a Linux PC or the latest distribution can be tried out without destroying the main system.

(Image: Sven Hauth)

Easy and reliable use of desktop virtualization under Linux Requirements Quick start with Gnome Boxes Guest extensions for comfortable use Full control with Virt-Manager Article in c’t 2 / 2021 read Virtualization is common on servers to To set up a flexible, portable and fail-safe infrastructure: a tricky piece of software ores ughs one or more so-called virtual machines (VMs) by partly emulating all the resources that make up a computer and partly cutting off the host system. In such a VM, another operating system can be installed, which runs completely independently and isolated from the host. The same can also be used well on a desktop computer. With suitable processor expansions and smart solutions in the virtualization software, a virtual machine runs almost as fast as real hardware. Connected devices can be extended from the host system to the guest systems. And for all of this you don’t even need root rights or special authorizations.

There are various reasons for using virtual machines on a desktop system or a notebook. The Linux cover story from 2020 (see dossier) reported quite a few readers who would like to switch completely to Linux, but there is still the one absolutely necessary Windows software. Too often, the Wine runtime environment doesn’t help either. Dual boot, on the other hand, is cumbersome and annoying, since restarting takes time and nerves and not all data is available in the other system. Instead, simply starting Windows in a program window or even briefly waking up from deep sleep is much more convenient. Even copy & paste between the host and guest system usually works without any problems. With the help of snapshots, the status of a system can be saved and reset in the event of failures and messed up installations.

A virtual machine is also useful if software only runs under Windows 7 or older. Since Microsoft no longer closes any gaps there, its use is extremely problematic in terms of security. In order to use the oldie software with peace of mind, simply cut off network or internet access to the VM. If internet access is necessary for the software, you should urgently seek an alternative or an update.

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Register and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Easy and reliable use of desktop virtualization under Linux Requirements Quick start with Gnome Boxes Guest extensions for comfortable use Full control with Virt-Manager Article in c’t 2 / 2021 read

Container: Dynamic templates for FreeBSD jails with Bastille

Bastille was released in version 0.8. The tool automates and manages jails under FreeBSD, i.e. operating system and application containers. An instance of a FreeBSD jail provided with Bastille with the full range of commands of the base system only requires around 10 to 12 Mbytes of space on the data carrier.

Improved and dynamic templates The version jump brings some innovations and improvements . The Bastille templates now run completely natively. Each jail or container is automatically based on a self-explanatory template: base, empty, thick, thin and vnet. Another new feature is that the templates are dynamically, for example, using $ JAIL_NAME or $ JAIL_IP can be individually parameterized.

When updating from version 0.7 to 0.8, it should be noted that the syntax in the configuration files has changed slightly and users can save their existing templates via bastille template –convert … have to adapt. The templates can also be created individually or downloaded from the public GitLab directory.

FreeBSD 13 on board In addition to the current and older FreeBSD versions, Bastille 0.8 can also do the in FreeBSD under development 13 – provide CURRENT. As usual, it should be noted that the FreeBSD version of the host must not be older than the version of the jail. On 64 – bit hosts can be 32 – Create and start bit jails, the reverse is not possible.

With bastille config get | set users from version 0.8 can define individual values in the configuration file (/ usr / local / bastille / jails //jail.conf) read out or set via scripts. A ALL as the jail name applies the action to all jails.

The software was developed by Christer Edwards, who was previously involved in SaltStack, which has now been taken over by VMware, and who was responsible for it as a maintainer. He took over parts of the security mechanisms for Bastille from the HubbleStack, which he also helped to design and on which SaltStack SecOps is based. Bastille is under the free BSD 3 Clause license, has no dependencies (25 KByte download via pkg install bastille ) and is for all supported platforms by amd 64, i 386, sparc 64, powerpc 64 up to aarch 64 (Raspberry Pi 3/4) available.

heise + | Full-frame camera Zeiss ZX1: a role model or a flash in the pan?

Full-frame camera Zeiss ZX1: a role model or a mayfly? Modern concept, proud price Handling Zeiss ZX1: image quality in laboratory and practice Conclusion and table The well-known optics manufacturer Zeiss is breaking new ground. The full-format compact ZX1 does not want to stand next to the Canons, Sonys and Nikons of this world. She wants to be a pioneer – the beginning of a new generation of all-in-one solutions for demanding photographers. The ZX1 combines the entire photo workflow: In addition to taking photos, images can be edited using the Lightroom app. The photos can be shared on social media or in the cloud via integrated interfaces and WLAN – without detours via smartphone or PC. The ZX1 is based on the mobile operating system Android.

The Zeiss -Camera brings a permanently installed high-resolution 34 – Millimeter lens and a full-frame sensor with 36, 4 megapixels with. In addition to photos, it also records moving images in 4K. The development of the ZX1 brought some unexpected challenges for the manufacturer. According to himself, he had problems integrating the software. As a result, the market readiness was delayed by almost two years, because originally the ZX1 should already be at the beginning 2019 appear. The concept of an “all-in-one” camera is not entirely new. Samsung already had a similar idea with the Galaxy Camera 2012. But the Koreans have long since withdrawn from the camera business. Unlike the Zeiss ZX1, Samsung placed less emphasis on high dynamics and excellent imaging performance in its hybrid camera, so the Android camera had a permanently installed 21 – fold zoom lens and a 1 / 2.3 -Inch CMOS sensor.

Modern concept, more proud Price Samsung and, eight years later, But Zeiss (had) the intended target group: bloggers and social media aficionados. But here the price of the ZX1 contradicts the clientele, because it costs 6000 euros. And not every blogger is an influencer like Stefanie Giesinger or Shirin David and has their budget. Other potential buyers could be professional photographers who need to deliver results to their customers quickly, preferably already processed. But which professional buys a 3200 – Euro camera with a fixed 35 – millimeter focal length? This restricts the style of the picture and the choice of motifs. As a typical reportage focal length, the lens can be used well for street and travel photography. In addition, certain types of landscape shots and portraits belong to the repertoire of the ZX1. One of its greatest strengths is the Zeiss camera in the backpack, because the laptop, external hard drives and interchangeable lenses can stay at home. So light luggage, only filters, cleaning set and spare batteries are required. The latter are an absolute must because the large display and internal processing consume a lot of power. Although the battery with just under 3200 mAh offers a large charging capacity even for full-frame cameras, one uses however, the display, you can see how this decreases. Zeiss does not provide any information on the number of recordings according to CIPA. Optionally, however, the ZX1 continues to take photos if the camera is charged via USB-C, so you also have the power bank in your backpack.

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Microsoft is working on a uniform and redesigned Outlook app

Microsoft is to work on a completely new Outlook app under the project name “Monarch”, reports the media, citing insiders. It should be the same for your own operating systems, Macs and the web, and combine mail and calendar in operation. The “end goal” is called “One Outlook”. However, it should take a while before it appears. An experimental version can already be tested, however.

Outlook is to get a uniform client based on Microsoft’s existing Outlook Web App. So far there are numerous different variants depending on the operating system and versions. According to Windows Central the new Outlook will be available to all Microsoft users, both private and business customers. So you need at least a Microsoft account – as usual. There should be offline storage capacities and partial options, as well as notifications when emails are received and for calendar appointments. More details are not yet known. According to reports, tests will start at the end of this year, and the app will not actually appear until the following year.

Microsoft is already working on a new design A new design was already included in the Outlook web version last year, this should go in the direction of the future uniform look. All Office apps have also just been adapted for ARM Macs. The user interface also got a new design. Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana got new functions.

Outlook for iOS can read and answer e-mails and create appointments. A new Office app is also available for Android and iOS that combines Word, PowerPoint and Excel. With Outlook Spaces, Microsoft recently made its planning tool generally available, which can directly control all in-house apps. This project was called “Moca”.

Windows Central also reports that under the project name “Sun Valley” Window 10 should get a new user interface. One job ad reported that Microsoft wanted “a comprehensive visual rejuvenation of Windows”. It should show “Windows is back”.

Update 06. 01. 21, 13: 25: We have “Sun Valley” one own message dedicated:

(emw )

Huawei will allow other Chinese manufacturers to install Harmony OS on their smartphones

by Jordi Bercial 05 / 01 / 2021 …

At this point it is no secret that Huawei has serious problems to continue using Android on their smartphones, something that does not look to change anytime soon. In the same way, they have an address marked, something that started with the Huawei Mobile Services and will continue with HarmonyOS , the The company’s next operating system for some of its smartphones.

However, not only Huawei could have this same problem, but really any other Chinese manufacturer could be in the same position, reason whereby HarmonyOS will be available to any Chinese manufacturer that needs a fully functional operating system , something that Android is not without the Google Mobile Services.

As we can read In Huawei Central, it is expected that HarmonyOS will be open source to be able to adapt it to other smartphones, something that for now is not It is like this, in addition to having a flexible kernel that can work with other processors without problem , not only those with which Huawei lock heh, so there is probably still work to do, starting with checking that indeed HarmonyOS works properly on Huawei’s own devices.

Be that as it may, it is a great opportunity for Huawei in the face of to recover from the bad streak that has meant not having the Google Mobile Services on their latest smartphones , and which will probably also help them financially if enough companies make use of this new operating system.

End of Article. Tell us something in the Comments or come to our Forum!

Jordi Bercial

Avid technology and electronics enthusiast . I mess around with computer components almost since I learned to ride. I started working at Geeknetic after winning a contest on their forum for writing hardware articles. Drift, mechanics and photography lover. Don’t be shy and leave a comment on my articles if you have any questions.

TOP 10 most interesting smartphones of 2020 – Noteworthy models that have appeared in the past twelve months

We are rapidly approaching the end 2020 of the year, which was not particularly important for us gracious. However, we will not talk about the disadvantages of the last twelve months, but about devices that made their debut in this difficult period for the global economy. It turns out that the mobile device market, despite solid blows and recorded sales drops, is doing quite well. This can be seen even after hardware premieres. The majority of interesting devices from the low, medium and high price range have reached the stores. The end of December is the perfect time to sum up the news from each of the mentioned segments. Therefore, I invite you to the TOP list 10 of the most interesting smartphones 2020 of the year.

Author: Marcin Karbowiak

At the beginning, a little explanation: Let’s define what the title “most interesting smartphones 2020 year”. As the criterion, I adopted not the most innovative forms, but models that offered the most desirable features in their category and an appearance that encouraged you to buy. Of course, in the list you will find models that we had the opportunity to check, not necessarily for the purpose of publishing a review. The exception is Nokia 8000 4G, which is not a smartphone in the full sense of the word. Despite the fact that the equipment is equipped with a specific KaiOS operating system and we have access to the application store, it is still only a mobile phone with “smart” functions. These types of devices are called “future phones”. Some people are looking for such devices with a physical keyboard in the layout of buttons characteristic of old cells.

The end of the year is the time of summaries. For this reason, we have prepared a TOP list for you 10 of the most interesting smartphones 2020 year. On the list you will find both budgeters, mid-range models and flagships. There was also a classic cell phone.

POCO M3 smartphone test – Stereo speaker power, unusual design and battery life 6000 mAh are impressive

The mentioned Nokia is the only classic cell in the TOP 10. The remaining pages are occupied by three budget models, three mid-range models, and three flagships made of blood and guests, respectively. In the case of the first segment, I decided to put in it relatively fresh equipment that left “my workshop” a few days ago, i.e. the POCO M3. The category of inexpensive smartphones also includes the Samsung Galaxy M 11 and the Motorola Moto G8 Power. The average shelf included in the list is represented by the Apple iPhone SE 2020, Samsung Galaxy M 51 and Xiaomi Mi 10 T Lite 5G. In the case of flagships, I had a real nut to crack, but in the end I chose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 and Huawei Mate 40 Pro. For the last device, there is a lack of Google services making it difficult to use the hardware. Even so, the features made it impossible for me to miss it.

Each TOP page 10 is dedicated to one model, starting with the cheapest and ending with the most expensive. You will not find specification descriptions in the text, as they are presented in the tables at the bottom of each publication card. In the material, I bought myself on the most important advantages of the devices, which convinced me to include them on the list. I based the attractiveness and importance of the features on the price, so what seems to be something amazing in a budgetary, in a flagship does not deserve greater recognition. Of course, among the flagship models there is also a representative of the young age segment of devices with folding screens. In this respect, technology is just beginning, while Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 gives the impression of the most solid and functional solution on the market. So much for explaining what our TOP is 10. Let’s move on to the details.

TOP 10 the most interesting smartphones 2020 years:

Nokia 8000 4G
POCO M3
Motorola Moto G8 Power
Samsung Galaxy M 21
Xiaomi Mi 10 T Lite 5G
Samsung Galaxy M 51
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2

Atomic Heart – new details about gameplay, its length and plot. We also remind you of the hardware requirements

Do you still remember Atomic Heart? Sure you do. The game was announced in May 2018 of the year as a mix of BioShock and Fallout, and it’s all poured Soviet sauce that you lick your fingers. The Mundfish studio, responsible for the production of the game, has been silent for a long time. Currently, however, something has moved – the game page has been updated on Steam, where the full description of the game has finally been placed. The approximate length of the gameplay has also appeared on the web. Below, we also remind you of the hardware requirements given a moment ago, although, as is often the case, they are given without specifying what graphic effects and resolutions we can expect, meeting these criteria.

BioShock’s spiritual heir is to keep us entertained 30 hours later this year. However, it is not clear whether we will have a chance to play with ray tracing on the day of the premiere. We have to wait for more reports directly from the Mundfish studio.

45 minutes with Atomic Heart . This will not be a typical mix between a shooter and an RPG

In the latest Atomic Heart game description on Steam we read: “Atomic Heart is an action RPG. The story is about everything that could have happened in the real USSR. The technical revolution is over, robots, the Internet, holograms have already been invented, but all these innovations are still immersed in the atmosphere of communism, imperialism and confrontation with the West. The game’s hero, a Soviet KGB officer, lands in one of the complexes The facility 3826 during the great failure of the robot control system. The game world consists of vast open world regions full of lush Soviet nature and less extensive grounds of the Facility complexes with its secret underground and ground laboratories, bunkers and robotic logistics systems. Most of the enemies are various machines produced at the Facility. Each robot was originally created to serve the needs of Soviet industry or help Soviet telom in everyday life. The robots also have an implemented combat program that was created in case of war. “

Atomic Heart – 10 minutes of gameplay shows a game full of quirks

As you can guess, the aforementioned malfunction probably made the robots switch to the combat program, which makes them our main opponents The production will be released at an unspecified time this year on PC and new and last generation consoles. The campaign is to be fun for around hours. As the creators point out, the game will present us with a “new generation” combat system, where robots will be able to adjust their behavior according to our skill development. There will also be crafting, which is quite suspicious – the game requires only 22 GB of disk space Everything seems to indicate that the current hardware requirements h support for ray tracing is not yet included. The real-time ray tracing option may not be available right away for the game’s launch.

Minimum hardware requirements for Atomic Heart:

Operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (64 – bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 – 2500 K / AMD FX 6300
Memory: 6 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780 (3 GB) / AMD Radeon R9 290 (4 GB)

Disk space: 22 GB of available space

Recommended hardware requirements for Atomic Heart:

Operating system: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (64 – bit)
Processor: Intel Core i7 – 4770 K or Ryzen 5 1500 X
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB)
Disk space: 22 GB of available space

Official gameplay trailer from August 2020.

Source: Steam , Multiplayer, TheGamer

Google Chrome: Security update available for desktop versions of the browser

Google has released the first security updates for its Chrome web browser in 2021. Yesterday’s “Stable Channel Update” changed the browser editions for Windows, Linux and macOS to the version 87. 0. 4280. 141 raised. It comprises a total of 16 security-relevant fixes

The new Chrome version 87. 0. 4280. 141 should be made available to all users in the coming days and weeks, according to Google. Users can obtain the update via auto-update or manually bring the browser up to date via the menu item “Help” -> “About Google Chrome”.

Microsoft’s Chromium-based Edge, whose security updates usually follow shortly after the Chrome updates, is so far still at the level of December. However, it is to be expected that the developers will follow suit soon. Microsoft’s overview of Edge security updates shows the current version.

Many vulnerabilities with a “high” rating ” As usual, the release announcement for the new Chrome desktop versions only gives a few details about the security vulnerabilities, which usually only appear when most users do Update. This is to minimize the risk of active attacks on systems that are still unprotected. Until then, Google has limited itself to a short list of those vulnerabilities that were discovered by external security researchers. 12 of which were rated “High” and one with “Medium”.

Update also for the Android edition Chrome for the mobile operating system Android has also received an update: Version 87. 0. 4280. 141 should be available via Google Play in the next few weeks be made possible. However, the update does not include any security updates, but takes place according to the separate release announcement for Chrome 87. 0. 4280. 141 for Android only offers stability and performance improvements to the mobile browser.

Firefox has also been secured against vulnerabilities:

(ovw)

CES: Samsung shows TVs with mini and micro LEDs

The new brand name Neo QLED includes the expected televisions with mini LEDs in the locally dimmable backlight. First, the technology in the 8K TVs comes from the QN 900 A series and the 4K -TVs from the QN 90 A series are used. Experience has shown that it will gradually migrate to the cheaper model series.

Thanks to the tiny LEDs, the backlight of the TV displays can be very finely adjusted to the picture content in many zones – like many dimmable ones Zones, Samsung traditionally does not reveal; We have to submit that in future tests.

Quantum Matrix Samsung calls the whole Quantum Matrix technology: The Quantum Mini-LEDs used are therefore only 1 / 40 set as high as the previous light emitting diodes. You no longer wear a lens cap, but are covered with a thin diffusing film. This allows them to be joined closer together. Light-focusing layers over the LED matrix are supposed to prevent blooming, i.e. the outshining of light areas into actually dark parts of the image. So far, this has been an obvious weakness of LCD TVs compared to OLEDs. The resolution is 12 bit, so 4096 Generate brightness gradations.

Like the previous 8k TV, the high-end displays are housed in a housing that is flat from the front and back and has an extremely narrow bezel. New is the Attachable One Connect Box, a visibly slimmer box with all connections for the display.

The Neo Quantum processor is supposed to convert lower resolutions and moderate streaming quality to the respective display resolution optimize. Samsung has also announced improvements in terms of sound; For example, Space Fit Sound should automatically optimize the sound to the position of the audience.

Samsung First-Look-Event CES 2021 (8 pictures) The Neo QLED TVs from the QN series 900 A and QN 90 A are in the elegant Infinity housing with extremely narrow frames. (Image: Samsung)

The TV for the home office Samsung knows about the influence that Corona has on people’s lives – especially since TV -Sales have not decreased due to the pandemic. This is why smart TV should support users at home in the future: The smart trainer should keep viewers fit in front of the TV. Via a connected webcam, an avatar can give tips on how to move correctly during exercises. The workout app then shows the results of the physical training.

Samsung also wants to make it easier to watch videos together. Google Duo is now also supported by the Tizen operating system on TVs. So far, the video app for group streaming with a webcam on TVs only works on smart TVs with the Android operating system and some streaming sticks. Samsung also promises improved voice guidance and gesture control of the TV with the connected webcam.

Micro-LED TVs Tens of millions of tiny light-emitting diodes are in the classy micro-LED TVs. Samsung has not yet announced price and sizes.

(Image: Samsung)

“Any Shape, Any Size “This is how Samsung advertises its micro-LED TVs. The TVs consist of several modules – which was the case with the 2018 first introduced LED TV “The Wall “was the case. According to Samsung, the current displays contain up to 24 millions of tiny Light-emitting diodes that were developed together with Samsung’s semiconductor division. Of course, Samsung couldn’t resist the swipe at OLEDs, the inorganic RGB LEDs show no burn-in and their luminosity and thus the colors remain consistently high for a long time – Samsung promises 100. 000 hours. Samsung has not yet said how many modules an LED TV for the living room consists of. As usual, the price should be quite high.

The speakers were integrated into the LED panels, Samsung calls this Arena Sound. The sound therefore comes from the screen itself, which is intended to increase immersion. Sony and soon also LG are pursuing something similar with their OLED TVs with integrated actuators. The frame around the LED wall is extremely narrow. You can connect up to four sources at the same time and bring them to the screen.

Everything eco Samsung chose “going green” as a hook for its first-look event, presented remote controls with solar cells instead of batteries and announced more compact cardboard packaging. These should be used by buyers for upcycling, for example to build furniture out of the solid cardboard.

In view of the steadily increasing screen diagonals, one must at least question the eco-effect of TVs – the larger the screen, the higher the power consumption of the TV. HDR functions also require ever higher luminance levels and thus more energy. At least built-in ambient light sensors help to keep the power consumption in check.

(uk)

“Sun Valley” project: Microsoft is planning a major UI refresh for Windows 10

A job advertisement placed by Microsoft at the beginning of the year 2021 in which a Senior Software Engineer for the Windows Core User Experiences team is sought , has given new nourishment to rumors about upcoming modifications to the Windows user interface.

In the original version of the job advertisement, which has since been changed, it said that the engineer in question should work together with Microsoft’s platform, surface and OEM partners on a “comprehensive to initiate visual rejuvenation “of Windows. The revision is intended to signal Microsoft’s customers that Windows is “back” and that customers have the best user experience compared to the competition.

Some US media interpret these formulations as “official confirmation” for a planned revision of Windows 10 User interface. In reality, Microsoft has not yet commented on possible renovation measures, which insiders say are run internally under the project name “Sun Valley”.

Leaked “Sunset Valley” screenshots are intended to give a first impression of possible design / UX – Communicate changes.

(Image: windowslatest.com / Microsoft)

Sun Valley: Possible changes to the user interface US journalists with contacts to Microsoft employees reported back in October 2020 about the “Sun Valley “, which aims to convert the Windows User Interface (Windows UI) of Windows 10. The project is with the Windows Devices and Experiences Team of Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer and responsible for Windows 10 – as well as the Surface Development, settled.

The revision of the Windows 10 start menu, the notification center and the File manager. The goal is a consistent, modern design with improved animations and some new functions. Windows start menu and notification center 10 should therefore be based on experience with the design of these elements in Windows 10 X benefit. Furthermore, an update of the taskbar with more modern program code is planned.

For tablet users we are working on better animations and a “smoother one.” “User experience. The results of at least these efforts can already be seen or tested in the Windows Insider Dev Channel: First Insider Builds show changes to the on-screen keyboard and the emoji selection. There are also indications that Microsoft is aiming for UI elements with rounded corners in apps and in the shell. Continuous support of the dark mode is also still on the agenda.

Release possibly in autumn In view of the pending confirmation from Microsoft, it is currently still open whether, when and in what form “Sun Valley” will ultimately reach the systems. According to rumors, the first drafts could be tested with Windows insiders from February 2021. The release would then probably be expected at the end of the “Cobald” development branch in autumn 2021, which then Windows 10 10 would correspond to H2.

Microsoft’s efforts to redesign the Windows user interface are a constant in the history of the operating system. Some changes in the past were purely cosmetic in nature and were hardly noticeable, but others led to severe collateral damage. The latter includes the renovation work on the Windows search and start menu, which caused severe bugs for months with a striking Windows search or the start menu no longer opening.

Parallel to the “Sun Valley” project should be loud By the way, insiders are running the “Monarch” project, as part of which Microsoft developers are working on a completely new Outlook app. You’ll find more about it here:

(ovw)

AMD Radeon: Chiplet-Based GPUs Like Ryzen CPUs?

After CPUs, AMD seems intent to drastically change the design of their GPUs. The company is studying an MCM project that will allow multiple graphics chiplets to work properly together. The idea is in a newly published patent.

by Manolo De Agostini published 04 January 2021 , at 11: 01 in the Video Cards channel

AMD Radeon RDNA

AMD was the first to believe and adopt a MCM project for its microprocessors, from Ryzen consumer models up to the EPYC server proposals. The US company has highlighted how to separately produce the components of a CPU, untying the cores from the memory controller and other interfaces, not only favors a landing on the market quickly and predictably , but it also has advantages in terms of performance and consumption.

The MCM (multi-chip module) design, where a processor is composed of different blocks, also produced with different processes and connected via high-speed bus, allows for a more innovative approach to design, and this has allowed AMD to recover the gap with Intel and surpass it in different sectors of market, thanks to the possibility of increasing the number of cores through the creation of dedicated chiplets with advanced production processes. There is also an advantage in terms of production yields , as producing chiplets with the most appropriate process allows have fewer defects.

It is clear how the time of monolithic chips , i.e. a highly integrated project that contains all the various aspects of a microprocessor on the same die, both at the drips : it is less and less functional to innovations future and this not only applies to CPUs, but also to GPUs . Both AMD and Nvidia have long toyed with the idea of moving to MCM design and this transition may be closer than we think .

A patent issued by AMD titled “ GPU Chiplets using high bandwidth crosslinks “exposes the idea, or at least one of the ideas on the table, that the company led by Lisa Su is stroking to make the project of a MCM GPU . In the documentation, AMD illustrates some of the reasons it has not taken that route so far : the high latency of communication between chiplets, programming models and the difficulty in implementing parallelism.

However, the company’s engineers think they can bypass these obstacles using an in-package interconnection called “ high bandwidth passive crosslink “, able to allow any “chiplet GPU” to communicate directly with the CPU and at the same time with the other chiplets. Each GPU, in addition to the cores, would have its own cache and the necessary to work autonomously: in short, each chiplet would represent a complete GPU, fully manageable by the operating system.

Unlike what we observe with AMD CPUs, where the company has crammed the cor ex 86 in a dedicated chiplet and everything else in an I / O die, in this case the idea looks more like making smaller GPUs and making them work together . One of the growing problems nowadays is that the most powerful graphics chips occupy such a large area that they require advanced and very expensive production processes, with yields not always exceptional.

Creating smaller GPUs would reduce production costs and have better yields, while the new interconnection would preserve performance and at the same time the software could make the most of the hardware, without particular modifications. At the moment it is not clear if and when this project will become a concrete reality, but it is rumored that this will happen after the solutions based on RDNA 3 architecture, expected between this year and next.

keyword: Operating System