The pre-WWDC Apple rumor mill has finally churned out something that doesn’t have the words “3G” and “iPhone” involved — sources have told both Ars Technica and our friends at TUAW that Steve will also use his keynote to introduce the next major version of OS X, codenamed “Snow Leopard.” As the derivative release name indicates, there aren’t many changes in store from 10.5 Leopard — Apple’s said to instead be focusing on tightening up speed and stability as it starts producing more mobile devices. What’s more, this could be the end of PowerPC and Universal support in OS X, as Snow Leopard is said to be Intel-only. That’s bound to ruffle a few feathers, but things could get even more heated if Carbon is deprecated as is also being rumored. We’ll see when we see — Monday can’t get here fast enough.

Read - TUAW post
Read - Ars post

It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re looking for something decidedly larger and less flashy than the usual Xbox 360 replacement case, it looks like you’ll soon be able to get your fix courtesy of case-maker Lian Li, which is apparently set to release its Lian Li 360 case in just a few weeks. Among other things, this one promises a quieter operation courtesy of some air cooling and a 120mm fan, and relatively easy access to the internal components, although that of course does come at the expense of your warranty. No word on a price just yet, but Lian Li is apparently at least working to keep costs down, opting simply for aluminum side panels and standard screws instead of the more expensive thumbscrews it had originally planned.

Verizon has certainly courted Alltel before, but this time, the two could finally be rounding third base. According to a breaking report at CNBC, Verizon is “in deep in talks to acquire Alltel,” which of course is America’s fifth largest wireless carrier. It’s no secret that Alltel has been riding fairly high of late, and unless your memory is totally shot, you’ll likely recall that it was just recently “taken private by TPG and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners in a $27.5 billion deal.” Not surprisingly, officials at both outfits refused to comment on the rumblings, but if this does indeed go down, analysts are expecting Verizon to pay around 8x Alltel’s current EBITDA, whereas TPG / Goldman Sachs paid 9.2x. We’ll keep you posted on any developments.

Update: The talks have been confirmed by Vodafone which owns a 45% stake in VZW.

This whole “it’s web video, on your TV!” space is getting crowded fast, but we’d say there’s certainly room from this new “PoD” device from Verismo Networks. Not content to merely concentrate on one form of content, the PoD can handle content from YouTube, BitTorrent, vTap, Amazon Unbox, CinemaNow, you name it. It’s a pretty simple box, with an Ethernet plug, a couple of USB ports for flash storage, some sort of wireless (we’re guessing WiFi), and outputs for S-Video or HDMI, up to HD resolutions. It’ll sell later this summer for $99, with a bit of a marketing push from YouTube, so this probably won’t be the last you hear of PoD.

We’ve been hearing about ATI’s external graphics schemes for years, but apparently XGP is finally ready to go. The platform houses an external graphics card — ATI-branded, of course — which connects to your laptop via a proprietary 4.0Gbps PCIe 2.0 connector. The new tech is being initially launched with AMD’s new ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3800, which can work in a multi-GPU CrossFireX configuration with your laptop’s internal graphics card. The first out of the gate with the tech is Fujitsu’s AMILO Sa 3650, which packages a Mobility Radeon HD 3870 cardbut there’s still no word pricing or exactly when or where this all is shipping. XGP also supports some extra USB 2.0 ports, Blu-ray decoding, and outputs over HDMI with integrated audio and DVI, powering up to four displays.

Resisting the Microsoft takeover may effectively have ended the Yahoo careers of not only a number of board members, but also CEO and co-founder Jerry Yang

Icahn is stepping up his campaign to takeover Yahoo’s board and shake up the company’s leadership with tough talk. DailyTech has closely followed the ongoing drama between Icahn and board, which have significant ramifications on the possibility of a possible Microsoft merger.

This week Icahn delivered his hardest-hitting comments yet. In them he says that if his takeover is successful, he will seek to depose Yahoo co-founder and CEO Jerry Yang, whom he sees a roadblock to a merger. While Icahn was delivering his comments, Yahoo’s board was busily meeting to discuss possible limited partnerships with Microsoft or the possibility of outsourcing its search functions to Google Inc.

In an interview Icahn laid on the criticism thickly for what he believes are disingenuous actions on the part of the board and Yang in their willingness to consider an offer. He also accuses them of intentionally setting of an artificially costly employee-retention plant to deter a potential deal. Icahn comments, “I am amazed at the lengths that Jerry Yang and the board went to entrench themselves in this situation.”

He will seek to oust the current board at the annual shareholder meeting. He seeks to replace it with a Microsoft-merger-friendly dissident board, which includes billionaire buddy Mark Cuban. The meeting was originally set to be held on July 3, but it got pushed back August 1 by a nervous board. The board blasted back at Icahn in a statement, saying, “Yahoo’s board of directors, including Jerry Yang, has been crystal clear that it would consider any proposal by Microsoft that was in the best interests of its shareholders.”

A new Yahoo shareholder lawsuit just unsealed provides details which cast a surprising new light on the Microsoft-Yahoo saga. The suit refers to a refusal of an informal $40 a share offer from Microsoft in January 2007 when shares were trading between $26 and $29.

However, Yahoo and the board publicly stated that they would consider favorably offers of $37 a share or more. Microsoft had publicly stated that it was only willing to offer $34 or $35 a share, but it is entirely possible that it offered more behind closed doors. Unsurprisingly, a Yahoo spokesman said that the board was “not aware” of a $40 a share offer.

Along with the surprising revelation of possible deceit on the board’s part, the suit also provides details on the employee-retention program, which Icahn says was constructed as an artificial roadblock to a merger. The plan would apply to Yahoo employees who were fired without “cause” or had “good reason” to quit in case of a merger. Such employees would be awarded exceptional severance packages — as much as $15,000 in additional reimbursement, full pay for as much as two years, and medical and dental coverage for some months.

Based on his own calculations Icahn says the package would have cost Microsoft around $2.5 billion, which Microsoft was well aware of. This, Icahn said, helped to kill the deal. Yahoo contends the package would only cost between $462 million and $2.1 billion depending on the number of departing employees. Icahn points out that the plan contained seeming outlandishly flexible provisions, such as full severance (including full pay at their former salary) to any employees who saw their job descriptions change. Thus in the case of shuffling of responsibilities, some employees could be taking home two paychecks for one job, for over a year.

Icahn comments, “It’s no longer a mystery to me why Microsoft’s offer isn’t around. How can Yahoo keep saying they’re willing to negotiate and sell the company on the one hand, while at the same time they’re completely sabotaging the process without telling anyone?”

He states that trust between Microsoft and Yang has been completely lost and while Yang heads the company a merger is impossible. Indeed, Microsoft today is lukewarm about any potential deal.

The shareholder lawsuit brought against Yahoo has raised some startling accusations. If they hold true, the picture of the Yahoo-Microsoft saga may change from one that seemed to be a dueling battle of egos, to that of a faltering company trying to jealously and deceptively hold on to its independence at the expense of its shareholders. If this proves true, it will surely aid Icahn in his efforts to oust the board and Yang.

ASUS Xonar HDAV1.3 unveiled at Computex 2008

ASUS made another interesting product announcement at Computex 2008 today. The company gave a preview of its upcoming Xonar HDAV1.3 HDMI-ready sound card. The card is HDMI 1.3a compliant and offloads audio processing from high-definition video.

The Xonar HDAV1.3 can decode lossless audio formats from Blu-ray films including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio at 24-bit, 96-192 Khz. The card runs on a PCI Express x1 slot and can deliver up to 7.1 surround sound.

To reduce noise Asus uses analog audio with 120db signal-to-noise ratio with distortion as low as 0.0004% on all 7.1 channels. To handle the video portion of Blu-ray discs ASUS integrates a Splendid HD video processor that provides a clear image form Blu-ray titles without having to rely on the CPU of a computer.

This means that users of desktop systems that don’t have a discrete graphics card or a high-end CPU can enjoy Blu-ray movies and high definition sound by installing one card into their computers. The brain of the Xonar is the ASUS AV200 codec chip that features digital to analog convertors. This card is the first in the Xonar family to use opamp sockets to allow for solder-less modifications to customize sound to the individual’s liking.

A deluxe version of the HDAV1.3 offers all the same features as the standard card plus adds a HDAV H6 surround channel expansion card. ASUS declined to comment on pricing and availability for the HDAV1.3. With ASUS’ low end Xonar card—the Xonar DX 5.0—retailing for $89 it’s a safe bet the HDAV1.3 will go for well over $100.

Customers will be able to download SP1 tomorrow; retail versions will be in stores on Wednesday.

Microsoft’s long-awaited service pack for Windows Vista is reported to be heading to consumers tomorrow. The RTM version of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) was first released to testers in early February after a lengthy gestation period.

Customers will have two ways to obtain SP1: a stand-alone installer can be downloaded directly from Microsoft’s Download Center or users can get the update through Windows Update where it will be labeled as an optional update. Systems that have drivers which are currently known to be incompatible with SP1 will not be permitted to install the update.

“Customers who visit Windows Update can choose to install Service Pack 1. Any system that Windows Update determines has a driver known to not upgrade successfully will not be offered SP1,” said a Microsoft spokeswoman.

SP1 already caused problems for some testers who installed the RTM version, so Microsoft is likely trying to minimize a problematic launch for a larger consumer-based rollout — the last thing that Vista needs is more fuel added to the fire that surrounds the operating system.

Customers will be able to purchase retail-packaged versions of Windows Vista with SP1 already incorporated starting on Wednesday. Those who pick up the retail versions will also take advantage of new, lower pricing that Microsoft introduced late last month.

Microsoft dropped the prices for Windows Vista Ultimate (Full), Windows Vista Ultimate (Upgrade), and Windows Vista Home Premium (Upgrade) to $319, $219, and $129 respectively. Interestingly enough, Amazon.com offers even lower prices for the software on its site at $299.99, $194.99, and $94.99 respectively.

AMD plans to launch two Phenom X4 and three X2 models within the next three quarters

AMD’s latest roadmap reveals the company’s model numbers for the performance and mainstream Phenom X4 and X2 processors. Despite AMD issuing model numbers, the clock speeds are still ballpark figures and not yet set in stone. AMD has two Phenom X4 and three X2 models planned. Three of the models are set for a Q4’2007 launch.

The Agena-based Phenom X4 processors carry the GP-7xxx model number. There will be two Phenom X4 GP-7xxx processors at launch – the GP-7100 and the GP-7000. AMD plans to clock the Phenom X4 GP-7100 from 2.2-to-2.4 GHz. The Phenom X4 GP-7100 has a 3600 MHz HyperTransport 3.0, or HT3, bus speed. The lesser Phenom X4 GP-7000 has a targeted clock speed between 2.0-to-2.2 GHz and a lesser HT3 bus speed in excess of 3200 MHz. The two quad-core processors will have 89-watt thermal ratings.

AMD plans to launch one Phenom X2 GP-6xxx model by the end of the year. The Phenom X2 GP-6550 joins the Phenom line up next quarter clocked somewhere between 2.0-to-2.4 GHz. The first Phenom X2 to launch has a 3600 MHz HT3 bus speed. This model has a TDP of 65 watts.

Two more Phenom X2 GP-6xxx models will join the lineup in Q1’2008. The Phenom X2 GP-6650 will launch first between 2.2-to-2.6 GHz with a 3600 MHz HT3 bus speed. This model has a 65-watt TDP, similar to the GP-6550. The next Phenom X2 GP-6xxx model to launch is the GP-6800. This model has a higher 89-watt TDP, but still a dual-core processor. AMD aims for a 2.4-to-2.8 GHz clock speed with a 4000 MHz HT3 bus speed.

In Q2’2008, AMD plans to launch one more Stars processor based on the Rana core. This model does not carry the Phenom name because it’s a lower end mainstream processor without L3 cache. The Athlon X2 LS-2350 aims to clock in at 2.0-to-2.2 GHz with a 3200 MHz HT3 bus speed.

The 3.0 GHz Phenom processor that AMD demonstrated last week during its Analyst Day does not appear anywhere in the most recent desktop roadmap.

AMD’s latest guidance explains that sample availability for AM2 Phenom will begin in the “September/October” window, with box stock during “November/December.”

Years ago, when the first primitive heat spreaders started gracing memory modules, the response from enthusiasts about the scene was varied – some felt that they helped to uniquely identify sticks and dissipate heat, while others felt that the utilization of thermal tape was providing more of an insulator than a medium to transfer the heat. To this degree, some users slipped the spreaders off, while others added them on – often with little difference. As time rolled on, heat spreaders become commonplace, with manufacturers adding their own flair to sticks with unique spreaders around. While some manufacturers took to adding other bits onto their sticks – like the Pro and Xpert lines from Corsair, many of us still felt these additions to be frivolous. In that spirit, we look at Corsair’s Dominator line today. With a promise of better overclocking through greater heat dissipation, it’ll be up to us to determine if the DHX technology contained within can become overclocking fact, or passed off as simple frivolous fiction. Let’s get started

The Modules

Packed in a custom formed PVC package, these thin modules stand out for their bold ridged looks, which clearly draw inspiration from their past two lines listed off in the introduction. Looking at them from the front, you’ll either see the dominator logo, or an extended ratings sticker gracing the front – depending which way your vendor’s packed them into the sleeve before shipping them down your way. Extending from those spreaders are myriad thin black columns, each helping to carry away the heat generated by the faces of each module, and looking to the sides of the forward spreader, a small hint of gold plating adorns the customized black PCB, printed and developed specifically by Corsair to carry heat away from the modules via the ground plane.

Its through this custom PC and design to dump heat into the ground plane that the DHX technology is derived. Termed as DHX – an acronym for Dual path Heat eXchange, this technology is intended to help alleviate the stresses generated on the modules. By pushing a portion of each stick’s heat into the ground plane, and the rest into the anodized silver fins between the black fins attached to the faces of the module, these sticks are capable of handling much higher voltages with lower temperatures – to a degree that I was able to operate them at their rated voltage (2.4V), frequency (1,142MHz), and latencies (5-5-5-15) passively, with only mild heat generated by the modules in a case with moderate airflow. This will definitely come in handy when users are pushing the sticks further and further on 680i motherboards, especially with the high voltages certain motherboards (see DFI) will soon be able to provide. Granted, these custom heat spreaders and PCBs do come with a price premium, but considering the entry level modules aren’t all too much more than standard sticks, I’d wager the efforts are worth it.

On a side note, these sticks have been built and bred for NVIDIA’s brand new 680i platform, utilizing EPP to help the new users come to the high clocks required by the sticks – some time s without even boosting the FSB with the ability to un-link the memory and front side bus frequencies. Moving back to the packaging, the inset pamphlet does a rather good job of explaining what’s been outlined above, advertising these modules as perfect for “A system built to exceed standard expectations” – in short, boasting their high frequencies as being the perfect companion for casual overclockers. Rather then spend time splattering the packaging in awards from all across the web and print worlds, Corsair’s made a bit of an effort for the casual user – by flipping the pamphlet open, you can see a simple, 3 step process to installing each module – something that every enthusiast is usually able to do without seeing the target area. Then again, considering its pitch toward the common user, it’s nice to see the simple effort made to allow them to get the job done out of the gate, rather than asking friends for help on it. With this brief tour of the packaging done, it’s good and time to do an evaluation of the overclocking potential, and giving them a performance test.
Overclocking / Performance

The Test Bed
E6400, @ 3200MHz (8*400), 1.55V
Asus P5B-Deluxe, Stock. FSB Wall at 450MHz
2x 1024 Corsair PC2-9136 “Dominator” Modules
ATI X1600Pro 512 Advantage, Stock @ 635/355.5
Corsair HX620 Modular PSU, Stock.

For the time being, testing is being done on 3 fronts – theoretical (SiSoft Sandra), practical (Super-Pi), and theoretical gaming (3DMark 2001). Over time, other tests will be added (Doom 3, F.E.A.R, G.R.A.W and other time demos) in order to represent practical gaming. Along with that, Everest will also eventually be added to the loop to measure memory latencies.

Alright, you guys know the drill on how it’s done – since testing is being done with the P965 based ASUS P5B-Deluxe, all clocks will be locked to the FSB in one way or another, and while I would definitely love to be hitting 1,142MHz at 1:1, this board has a habit of hard limiting before 500MHz, which is somewhat disappointing; then again, it may be a processor wall. To the point, though. Before scaling the clocks up sky high, it’s usually nice to crank down the latencies, and see what sort of timings the sticks can hold at common speeds. For me, the prime of those speeds would be 800MHz – which is a nice 1:1 step with the FSB my E6400 oh-so-adores. As to the scores, just crack the screenshots open.

It’s actually rather unfortunate that modules rated for CAS5 at 1142 are unable (on this motherboard, at least) to boot and stay stable at CAS 3. I found that the lowest stable latencies I could muster at 800MHz (whether dropping the ratio at 266 FSB, or setting it to 1:1 at 400) would be 4-4-4-4 @ 2.4v. Boosting the voltage here didn’t help much, possibly due to the known weakness of the P5B on v-dimm. Based on the results of others with these very sticks, I’m fairly sure that booting CAS3 on the 680i would be possible, though asking for CAS2 would be a definite stretch.

Still, booting with the 4 pack of 4 latencies wasn’t all too bad, and they managed to carry their numbers to 1,000MHz, a figure which many out there would be rather enjoying at either 400MHz FSB (my 4:5 divider is wonky, so no dice there for you), or 500MHz. The modules were able to carry these figures up to 1,066 MHz (2:1 at 266), though not with much more stability than suicide runs. Raising the latencies to CAS5 helped here.

In order to reach the rated frequency, I unfortunately had to loosen timings out to what’s been listed on the box – the aforementioned 5-5-5-15. Beyond this point of 1,142MHz, there was actually NO headroom to be found on this motherboard, a limit not imposed by the FSB, which sat at 286Mhz (2:1 ratio). It’s disappointing that there was no headroom beyond this point, granted users picking up the sticks now won’t have any worry about holding onto them until a future upgrade. The article – will – be updated in future when a 680i board is in the house, but for the time being, just pop on over to the performance section of this article to see how these sticks dart about the benchmarks at the collection of frequencies listed above.
Conclusion
Though expensive, these sticks do give you a nice amount of headroom – especially if you can nail high FSBs on your P965 board. Along with that, they stay nice and cool, and considering the reports of some sets passing 1,300MHz around the web, I’d wager they have some promise for users who want to hold onto them. Along with that, the bold stylings and good builds of these modules ensure that they’ll look good in systems for a time to come now – along with having a nice, high resale value if you want to upgrade at the next speed hop along the way. For taking the first step toward this innovation, and offering a nice, fast path to your system future, these sticks are well worth the bronze award