Gumstix specializes in tiny computers-on-modules (COMs) that end up in the most creative places, such as on satellite multiprocessor networks, biomimetic fish robots and polar exploration equipment. The company's recently released Waysmall Silverlode Computer adds an extra level of robustness to these COMs by adding the protection of an aluminum case, enabling even more applications in commercial and industrial vertical markets. Gumstix says that the solution, at 2.5 Watts, requires half the power of competing solutions. The Waysmall Silverlode Computer features an 800MHz Gumstix Overo EarthSTORM COM with a Tobi expansion board, a 5V power supply, HDMI-to-DVI cable, USB OTG cable and an 8GB microSD card for booting to Ubuntu. Interior support exists for connecting sensors and actuators.
Two characteristics that make us geeks are our erogenous zone for enjoyment of scientific elegance and our genetic disposition to admire the quirky. Both tendencies will find fulfillment from Bunpei Yorifuji's new book Wonderful Life of the Elements: The Periodic Table Personified, an illustrated guide to the periodic table that gives chemistry a friendly face. In this super periodic table, Japanese artist Yorifuji brilliantly gives every element a unique character whose properties are represented visually: heavy elements are fat, man-made elements are robots and noble gases sport impressive afros. Every detail is significant, from the length of an element's beard to the clothes on its back. Readers also learn about each element's discovery, its common uses and other vital stats like whether it floats—or explodes—in water. Why bother trudging through a traditional periodic table? (Though, of course, we would and we do.) In this periodic paradise, the elements are people too. And once you've met them, you'll never forget them.
While parallel processing is the answer to the need for Big Data applications, parallel programming is significantly more difficult than sequential programming, and many applications fail to take full advantage of their hardware environments. To address these issues, Fixstars created the new M3 (“M-cubed”) software development platform for accelerated processing and efficient programming in multicore, multinode and multi-architecture environments. Fixstars says that applications, such as image processing and simulation libraries, are optimized for several different types of hardware and built on an easy-to-use parallel framework, allowing for efficient development of fast, highly portable applications. M3 offers customized solutions for key industries in which simulations and image processing functions demand an enormous volume of computational calculations, such as CG rendering, computer vision and financial simulation.
Most customers will use the new MultiStreamer DIG/IP (Micro) Encoder appliance in the field to gather news video and stream it live to the TV station, says maker DVEO, the broadcast division of Computer Modules, Inc. Other applications for “the Micro” include sending video of live events and concerts, sporting events, corporate training and religious services to iPads, iPhones, OTT televisions and other portable devices via IP. This small, portable, Linux-based appliance weighs a mere five pounds (2.27kg). The Micro accepts uncompressed SDI or HD-SDI video (or optional HDMI or analog) from cameras, editing systems or video servers, and supports simultaneous IP input. It further creates multiple, simultaneous high, medium and low bitrate IP streams, which can be provided with most industry-standard protocols, including UDP, RTP or IGMP, and wrappers, such as HLS, RTMP, RTSP and so on.
The crew at Fabric Engine built the new open-source Creation Platform—a framework for building custom, high-performance graphics applications—because they found off-the-shelf DCC applications not flexible enough for studios' needs. By providing the major building blocks for tool creation, says Fabric Engine, Creation Platform allows developers to spend less time building back-end architectures and more time building critical workflows and high-performance functionality into their tools. Fabric Engine took this approach in response to the rise of performance-hungry applications like simulation and virtual production. Because existing solutions are not keeping pace, says the company, studios have had little choice until now but to build from scratch to fulfill their creative requirements—something that is outside their core business. Key features of the Creation Platform include the Fabric Core Execution Engine for exceptional performance out of both CPUs and GPUs, modularity, extensibility and accessibility. Most Creation applications are built using Python and Qt.
The key selling point for the Attensa StreamServer, now in version 5.1, is to “meet the demands of people in the Digital Age”, focusing on the information that matters and ignoring the rest. This enterprise application delivers personally relevant information—no matter where it is—to busy professionals instead of making them look for it. The result, says Attensa, are people who are empowered to do their jobs smarter and faster than ever before. Features added in the new v5.1 include group newsletters, improved search and filtering, the ability to subscribe to library collections (that is, topical collections that span multiple sources), improved workflow and numerous improvements and fixes.
Job hunting sucks—big time. If you can master the psychology, however, you can keep your confidence up and land a rockin' new gig. Helpful to this task is the new 3rd edition of the book Programming Interviews Exposed: Secrets to Landing Your Next Job, a job-search guide targeted at the specific needs of programmers. In this book, authors Eric Giguere, John Mongan and Noah Suojanen offer up a combination of tried-and-true advice and coverage of the latest trends. Like its earlier editions, this guide covers what software companies and IT departments want their programmers to know and includes a plethora of helpful hints that help boost confidence. This third edition adds new code examples, information on the latest programming languages, new chapters on sorting and design patterns, tips on using LinkedIn and a downloadable app to help prepare applicants for job interviews.
A new tablet—this one European-style—is out on the market in the form of Energy Sistem Soyntec's Energy Tablet i8. Gadget-maker Energy Sistem Soyntec S.A. of Spain claims that the new Android 4 device will wow its users with its exceptional quality screen, ideal dimensions, high efficiency and stylish design. Vital stats include 1GB of RAM memory, 8GB of internal memory, an ultra-slim aluminum body, multi-touch TFT LCD 8" screen in 4:3 format, front and rear cameras, HDMI full HD (1080p) output to TV or monitor, USB-OTG function and a USB host to connect external USB devices like pen drives, keyboard or mouse. The Energy Tablet i8 weighs in at 491 grams.