June 23, 2017 - The WAN Show Document

[Slick]

 

 

 

Main News Topics

Rumour: Apple's iMac Pro to use Server grade Intel Processor

Source 1: posted by RedRound2 https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/797260-apples-imac-pro-to-use-intel-server-grade-purley-with-an-arm-co-processor/

Source 2: https://9to5mac.com/2017/06/22/imac-pro-will-server-grade-processor-arm/

 

• The blog Pike’s Universum claims that the iMac Pro will be powered by Intel’s next-generation server-grade Skylake-EX and Skylake-EP processors, citing information available within firmware files from the macOS High Sierra beta

• What this means is that the iMac Pro would offer server-level Xeon processors, codenamed Purley rather than Skylake,or Kaby Lake processors that use the LGA2066 socket.

• the blog goes on to note that the iMac Pro will feature an ARM coprocessor in the form of a Secure Enclave, similar to that of the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.

  • The Secure Enclave adds an additional level of security to the Mac

  • and suggests that Touch ID could be implemented into the iMac’s accompanying Space Gray keyboard.

 

EPYC Benchmarks and Pricing!

Source 1:  posted by TechFanboy https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/796135-amds-epyc-cpus-with-benchmarks-pricing/

Source 2:  http://www.anandtech.com/show/11551/amds-future-in-servers-new-7000-series-cpus-launched-and-epyc-analysis

 

• Benchmarking results for AMD’s EPYC line, formerly known as Naples, are in!:

  • 32-cores and 64-threads at 3.2GHz with 2TB of memory in 8 DRAM channels and 128 PCI-E lanes

• All CPUs will have 128 PCIe 3.0 lanes, have access to all 64MB of L3 cache, and support DDR4-2666

  • The only differentiation between processors will be cores, frequency, and power.

 

OnePlus 5 gets caught cheating at benchmarking programs

Source 1: posted by nerdslayer1 https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/796117-one-plus-5-got-caught-cheating-at-benchmarking-programs/

Source 2:  https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/251285-tests-prove-oneplus-five-cheats-benchmarks-returns-fake-results

 

 

• The OnePlus 5 has apparently been designed to use alternate CPU scaling modes when it is running certain benchmarking applications.

• Instead of dropping down to 0.31 GHz when there is 0% load, the OnePlus 3T’s cores would stay above 0.98 GHz for the little cores and 1.29 GHz for the big cores,

  • They’re effectively setting looser thermal restrictions in order to bolster benchmark scores

• The One Plus 5 received about a 5% boost in performance, achieving the highest Geekbench 4 scores of a Snapdragon 835 to date.

 

NSA opens a github account

Source 1: posted by vorticalbox https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/796531-nsa-opens-a-github-account/

Source 2: http://sdtimes.com/nsa-github-account/

 

• Software from the NSA that can actually be used for good has appeared online through the agencies new official GitHub page.

• They released 32 open source projects including:

  • DCP:

    • A program that reduces the timespan needed for making a forensic copy of hard drives for forensic analysis.

  • MAPLESYRUP:

    • Assesses the security state of an ARM-based device by examining the system register interface of the processor.

  • SECURITY-ENHANCED LINUX (SELINUX):

    • A mandatory access control mechanism in the Linux kernel that checks for allowed operations after standard discretionary access controls are checked. It can enforce rules on files and processes in a Linux system, and on the actions they perform, based on defined policies. SELinux has been part of the Linux kernel since version 2.6.0.

  • SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR ANDROID (SEANDROID):

    • Confines privileged processes based on security policies by enforcing mandatory access control over all Android processes. SE for Android has been part of Android since Android 4.3.

• There’s a long tradition of defense software eventually trickling down to the public, like internet and GPS

 

 

 

 

What’s Coming Out on Floatplane? Go Over Current Week.

Rapid Fire

Netflix interactive TV: Choose your own adventure

Source 1: posted by WMGroomAK https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/796069-netflix-interactive-tv-choose-your-own-adventure-books-for-the-modern-age/

Source 2:  https://www.engadget.com/2017/06/20/netflix-interactive-shows/

 

• Netflix is launching a new kind of programming called “branching narratives” where viewers can control certain aspects of the story, including the ending.

• The first series, Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, was created in partnership with DreamWorks Animation and features 13 different storyline choices and two endings.

• It will debut today on the streaming service, followed by

  • Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile, on July 14th.

  • Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout, later this year.

• Netflix: "Being an internet-based company enables us to innovate new formats, deliver at scale to millions of members all over the world on multiple device types and, most importantly, learn from it,"

• At launch, these shows will work on "most" TV experiences and the latest iOS devices, though not its own site. The Apple TV isn't compatible either, nor are Android smartphone or tablets, but support for these platforms could come down the road.

 

 

China using Quantum Entanglement to build new unhackable internet

Source 1: posted by mr moose https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/795368-chinese-developing-new-unhackable-internet/

Source 2: http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/space/china-sets-new-record-for-quantum-entanglement-en-route-to-build-new-communication-network/news-story/e528da0cf68b2e63bbe093cab49ec507

 

• Chinese scientists have set a new distance record for beaming a pair of entangled particles when a laser on a satellite orbiting 480 kilometres above the earth produced entangled photons it then transmitted to two different ground-based stations 1200 kilometres apart- all without breaking the link between the photons

• The distance achieved in the experiment is 10 times greater than the previous record for entanglement and is also the first time entangled photons have been generated in space.

• By launching a group of quantum-enabled satellites, China hopes to create a super secure network that uses an encryption technique based on “quantum communication”.

  • “we have demonstrated some encryption techniques that rely on the law of physics rather than mathematical complexity and we call this quantum key distribution,”

The reason it can’t be hacked is because the information carried in the quantum state of a particle cannot be measured or cloned without destroying the information itself.

 

 

Google Will Stop Reading Your Emails for Gmail Ads

Source 1: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-23/google-will-stop-reading-your-emails-for-gmail-ads

Source 2: https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/23/15862492/google-gmail-advertising-targeting-privacy-cloud-business

 

• Google is stopping one of the most controversial advertising formats: ads inside Gmail that scan users’ email contents.

• The decision came from Google’s cloud unit, which is angling to sign up more corporate customers.

• Paying Gmail users have never actually received the email-scanning ads like the free version of the program, but some business customers were confused by the distinction and its privacy implications

  • “What we’re going to do is make it unambiguous,”

• Ads will continue to appear inside the free version of Gmail, as promoted messages. But instead of scanning a user’s email, the ads will now be targeted with other personal information Google already pulls from sources such as search and YouTube

 

Rumour: Tesla creating its own Music-Streaming Service?

Source 1: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-22/tesla-said-in-talks-with-labels-for-music-streaming-service

Source 2:https://www.recode.net/2017/6/22/15855346/tesla-elon-musk-streaming-music-service

 

• Tesla Inc. is apparently in talks with record labels about licensing a proprietary music service that would come bundled with its cars, which already come equipped with a high-tech dashboard and internet connectivity

• Label sources aren’t clear about the full scope of Tesla’s ambitions, but believe it is interested in offering multiple tiers of service, starting with a Pandora-like web radio offering

• It’s unclear if the automaker will ultimately decide to go forward with the service or continue with its current music partners,

  • Tesla offers Spotify Ltd.’s streaming service in Europe, Hong Kong and Australia,

  • and works with Slacker in the U.S. and Canada.

• Context: digital-music companies like Spotify and Pandora have been pushing to get into more cars as wireless networks offer better wireless internet coverage, creating new threats against traditional radio and satellite radio.

• Meanwhile Record labels wary of aggregation- and particularly a Spotify monopoly- have encouraged more competitors to enter the industry,

 

 

YouTube announces a new VR format

Source 1: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/06/youtubes-vr180-format-makes-vr-video-more-accessible/

Source 2: https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/22/15854308/google-youtube-vr180-video-camera-lenovo

 

• At VidCon this week, YouTube announced a new format called “VR180” which is exactly what it sounds like: stereoscopic video, but only in 180 degrees

• This cuts the data requirements in half—4K for each eye looks great as opposed to the 8K required for 360 VR to really look good.

• YouTube thinks the format should map a lot easier to the existing content most creators produce: they can just set up a camera, aim it at a (slightly wider than normal) staged area, and start filming

• The new format also supports live streaming.

• Viewers can strap into Google Cardboard, any Daydream-compatible viewer, or PSVR to watch the content.

• If you're on a desktop, you can still view the video as a stationary 16:9 video.

 

Valve gives Oculus the finger with Five-Finger controller

Source 1: https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/06/valve-tries-to-one-up-oculus-touch-with-five-finger-knuckles-vr-controller/

Source 2:  http://ca.ign.com/articles/2017/06/22/valve-shows-off-new-knuckles-vr-controller-with-individual-finger-tracking

 

• New details have been released about the Vive’s upcoming Knuckles controllers which allow for full, independent tracking of all five fingers.

• Embedded, capacitive sensors in the handle of the unit track the position of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers, while similar sensors in the trigger and face buttons track the index finger and thumb.

• A ring of sensors around the thumbpad and the back of the hand helps track the unit in space through the standard Lighthouse system

• A cinch-able soft strap that locks the controller around your palm (and through the crook between your thumb and index finger) lets you move and flex your fingers independently without the risk of dropping the controller

• The current Knuckles controller dev kit reportedly has a battery life of three hours and requires an hour of USB Micro charging to fill up

 

Power Hungry Rx Vega

Source 1: posted by NumLock21 https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/797302-amd-rx-vega-to-use-lots-of-power/

Source 2:  https://videocardz.com/70465/msi-damn-rx-vega-needs-a-lot-of-power#disqus_thread

 

• A forum posts by MSI marketing director on the Dutch Tweakers forums indicates that AMD’s upcoming Vega cards might draw more power than we’re used to.

  • “I’ve seen the specs of Vega RX. It needs a damn lot of power. We’re working on it, which is a start so launch is coming closer :)”

• This is the first indication that AMD has begun sharing Vega details with partners

• The Frontier Edition cards consumer:

  • 300W (air cooled)

  • 375W (liquid cooled)

 

Razer makes virtual currency push with $20M investment

Source 1: https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/23/razer-makes-virtual-currency-push/

Source 2:  https://www.techinasia.com/razer-takes-minority-stake-malaysian-fintech-startup-push-virtual-gaming-currency

 

• Razer has invested close to $20 million into Malaysia-based online payment firm MOL Global as part of a push to establish its virtual currency for gamers in Asia.

• Razer introduced its ‘zVault’ digital wallet and ‘zGold’ rewards program for its gamers back in March

• Razer’s network, combined with that of, MOL will allow users to buy its points at over a million online and retail stores across Southeast Asia, New Zealand and Australia.

• Beyond Razer’s own network of games and discounts for its online retail store, the points will also be redeemable through MOL partners, which include Sony’s PlayStation Store in Southeast Asia, Facebook games and publishers like Nexon.

• The deal makes zGold “one of the biggest virtual credit systems in the world and biggest in Southeast Asia.”

 

 

Apple's GPU designer Imagination up for Sale

Source 1: posted by DocSwag https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/797093-imagination-designer-of-apples-gpus-puts-itself-up-for-sale/

Source 2: http://www.anandtech.com/show/11569/imagination-technologies-formally-puts-itself-up-for-sale

 

 

• Earlier this year, Apple announced that it would stop using Imagination PowerVR GPUs in its SoCs in favour of making their own GPUs

• Before the announcement Imagination stock was priced at around $280 per share, but it immediately dropped to $100

• Around a month after the initial announcement, Imagination announced that they would be selling off the other parts of its business, focusing solely on the GPU business.

• During this time, Imagination “received interest from a number of parties for a potential acquisition”

• “The Board of Imagination has therefore decided to initiate a formal sale process for the Group and is engaged in preliminary discussions with potential bidders”.

• This announement immediately boosted the stock by $30

• Imagination’s PowerVR GPU IP alone is valuable to virtually all of the major SoC vendors, not to mention IP powerhouses and former customers such as Qualcomm, Intel, Samsung, and of course, Apple.

 

 

Apple Internal presentation on preventing leaks gets leaked

Source 1: posted by WMGroomAK https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/796232-apple-internal-presentation-on-preventing-leaks-gets-leaked/

Source 2: https://theoutline.com/post/1766/leaked-recording-inside-apple-s-global-war-on-leakers

 

• A recording of an Internal briefing that Apple gave to employees on preventing leaks of Apple products...has been leaked

• According to the hour-long presentation, Apple’s Global Security team employs an undisclosed number of investigators around the world to prevent information from reaching competitors, counterfeiters, and the press, as well as hunt down the source when leaks do occur.

• Some of these investigators have previously worked at U.S. intelligence agencies like the NSA, law enforcement agencies like the FBI and Secret Service, and in the U.S. military.

• Historically, Apple’s biggest leaks happened when parts were stolen from factories in China and are shared with the press, like when photos of the iPhone 5 leaked in 2012.

• However more breaches are now happening on Apple’s campuses in California

  • “Last year was the first year that Apple [campuses] leaked more than the supply chain,”

  • “More stuff came out of Apple [campuses] last year than all of our supply chain combined.”

 

ASUS releases first 10GbE network card under $100

Source 1: posted by Teroduis https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/796787-asus-releases-first-sub-100-dollar-10gbe-card/

Source 2: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/asus-xg-c100c-10gbase-t-nic,34844.html

 

• For less than $100 you can now get massive bandwidth with priority queuing for enhanced gaming support

• The NIC will set your system back four PCI Express 3.0 lanes as required by the Aquantia AQtion Client Controller.

• There are two specifications that make this product stand out from other 10GbE NICs shipping today.

  • the low $99 price tag.

  • it consumes very little power and produces very little heat.

 

 

Rumour: ASUS, COLORFUL and MSI Releasing GPU for mining

Source 1: posted by Rekted https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/797482-asus-colorful-and-msi-upcoming-special-gpu-for-mining/

Source 2: https://videocardz.com/70254/asus-colorful-and-msi-showcase-their-mining-graphics-cards

 

• Cryptocurrency forums are filled with information about upcoming mining cards from AMD and NVIDIA

• at least two SKUs for miners are being prepared by NVIDIA.

  • These cards are said to be more efficient than normal GeForce cards in cryptocurrency mining (~30 to ~10% depending on SKU

• The OEM cards will look similar to conventional video cards with the exception of the I/O bracket, which lacks display connectors.

• See link for specs on:

  • ASUS P106-100 MINING

  • MSI P106-100 MINER and P104-100 MINER

  • COLORFUL P106-100

[Shreyas1]

Didn't youtube already have vr? Or was that just the mobile version.

 

 

 

[Daniel644]

1 minute ago, Shreyas1 said:

Didn't youtube already have vr? Or was that just the mobile version.

 

 

 

youtube ONLY worked with Daydream VR or was it Google Cardboard? Either way I can't play it on my Gear VR

[Shreyas1]

1 minute ago, Daniel644 said:

youtube ONLY worked with Daydream VR or was it Google Cardboard?

I think it was something like cardboard. Anyways if you search up vr video you get 360 degree vr videos on YouTube.

[Guest]

6 minutes ago, Shreyas1 said:

Didn't youtube already have vr? Or was that just the mobile version.

They did, but it was 360 degrees, apparently this is 180 degrees and preforms differently.

7 minutes ago, Daniel644 said:

youtube ONLY worked with Daydream VR or was it Google Cardboard? Either way I can't play it on my Gear VR

That's odd. I've played VR videos on multiple devices before and it worked.

[Daniel644]

Just now, aidanapple said:

They did, but it was 360 degrees, apparently this is 180 degrees and preforms differently.

That's odd. I've played VR videos on multiple devices before and it worked.

you could play the 360 in a browser, but there was no native Youtube app for Gear VR (last I looked) so it was a pain in the but to get VR Youtube in the Gear VR.

[Guest]

Just now, Daniel644 said:

you could play the 360 in a browser, but there was no native Youtube app for Gear VR (last I looked) so it was a pain in the but to get VR Youtube in the Gear VR.

Yeah, but can't you just use the YouTube app? That's what I used. Unless I am missing something (as I do not have Gear VR).

[Daniel644]

Just now, aidanapple said:

Yeah, but can't you just use the YouTube app? That's what I used. Unless I am missing something (as I do not have Gear VR).

NOT in the Gear VR, when you put the phone into the Gear VR the Oculus software takes over and acts like a independent OS, so there needs to be a Gear VR Youtube app

[Guest]

NOT in the Gear VR, when you put the phone into the Gear VR the Oculus software takes over and acts like a independent OS, so there needs to be a Gear VR Youtube app

Ah, I did not know that. Thanks! I just did some research and can't you use something like this app?

[Daniel644]

1 minute ago, aidanapple said:

Ah, I did not know that. Thanks! I just did some research and can't you use something like this app?

possibly, I haven't found a trial version and refuse to pay for an app before I see if it works.

[Guest]

2 minutes ago, Daniel644 said:

possibly, I haven't found a trial version and refuse to pay for an app before I see if it works.

I mean, or theres this:

Spoiler

Method 1 involves inserting your phone without plugging in the USB.

1. Download, install and start the official Google Cardboard application
2. Plug your phone into your Gear VR while lifting the USB connector so that the phone is fitted underneath the USB holder. (Warning, be careful not damage the USB extension)
3. Using a magnet, swipe the side of the Gear VR to make a selection.

--

http://www.ultravr.org/samsung-gear-vr-ultimate-guide/#Using_Google_Cardboard_With_Your_Gear_VR

But I don't know. I agree on not spending money on apps that might not work, as that has happened before to me.

[captain_to_fire]

So the first few minutes of the WAN show was about Windows 10 being so great with software updates. Luke must've loved Windows 10 so much.

 

[/s]

[Master Disaster]

2 hours ago, Daniel644 said:

youtube ONLY worked with Daydream VR or was it Google Cardboard? Either way I can't play it on my Gear VR

You realise there's an app that allows GearVR to play any cardboard enabled VR content, right?

[ravenshrike]

Given that X299 was an attempt to bring the HEDT platform into the server spectrum rather than the consumer spectrum arguably EPYC, especially with the breath of SKUs available, is part of the i9 ecosystem as well as the Xeon ecosystem. Which is in fact AMDs entire strategy. With Gen1 EPYC and ThreadRipper, AMDs strategy is to grab as large a chunk of the low to mid end server platform in as small of a time as possible. Presumably Rome or Milan will attempt to expand to the high end regarding IPC/clocks.

[Bluetac]

Where was Linus ? is he on vacation?

[Guest]

4 hours ago, Bluetac said:

Where was Linus? Is he on vacation?

Yes, he had the week off.

[RikkHarrison]

Can somebody fix the Soundcloud version? It's only 6 minues long.

[alextulu]

About the strawpoll about EPYC vs socket 2066 in the iMac Pro.

 

Don't you guys know, that Apple really likes Thunderbolt? They co-developed it with Intel.

 

As long as AMD doesn't have Thunderbolt, Apple won't use AMD CPUs.

[NumLock21]

Asus does bundle the 10Gb nic with their ROG assembly 1151 board, and that one looks a lot nicer than the $99 dollar one

 

And here is another one not bundle with the board

https://www.asus.com/Motherboard-Accessory/ROG-AREION-10G/overview/

[Freeman]

On 24/06/2017 at 3:16 AM, wrathoftheturkey said:

But then how do you use that information in the first place? If measurement changes the value of whatever variable it is you're measuring, then how do you get data from any single iteration?

I haven´t progressed to that article yet, but the thing is, you can´t, that is why quantum computing is just as fast as our two-state transistor unless you design your algorithm to take advantage if its properties.

What it can be used at are periodic calculations, like things that are RE-complete and co-RE-complete, or many decompositions that have repetitions in them. You then run many parallel calculations, and while you can only access one of them, you can run all of them and when you do access it, you look at periods, rather than the exact result of the calculation.