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AMD not worrying about “Spectre” and “Meltdown” security issues, Intel continues to sweat after being dodgy at CES on the issue

More patches and upcoming fixes continue to be released for the widespread “Spectre” and “Meltdown” bugs affecting a majority of modern CPU chips found in mobile devices and PCs.

 

AMD recently has issued a statement saying recent Windows updates may affect certain CPUs after applying an emergency security patch issued by Microsoft to eliminate exploits from Spectre and Meltdown. However, the effects of the patches seem scattered and not related to any single model of CPU from AMD. The company has gone on to issue firmware updates for all CPUs affected by the exploits on January 11th and expects “zero risk” from the exploits and patches issued.

 

However, Intel is on more shaky ground following the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and appearing to dodge questions related to Spectre and Meltdown, which are known to affect almost all modern Intel-based processors dating back to early 2000's. Intel seemed to discredit the exploits and instead focused on debuting upcoming and future technologies such as a new type of Quantum Computing processor, its new integrated CPU and graphics processor made in partnership with AMD, and cinematic virtual reality experiences created in conjunction with major Hollywood effects studios.

Intel expects most exploits from Spectre and Meltdown to be fixed on a large majority of platforms as soon as possible and is working with Microsoft, Apple, and other companies to issue further patches as the year progresses. For now all PC and mobile device makers are advising users to keep their operating systems up to date with any incoming patches, firmware, and hotfixes that are issued.


Sources: 1, 2

 

Nvidia debuts new “Big Format Gaming Displays” at CES 2018 in conjunction with Acer, HP, and Asus ROG

Graphics processor maker Nvidia has announced it is teaming up with monitor makers HP, Acer, and Asus ROG to bring in a new line of “Big Format Gaming Displays” later this year. Each maker has promised some unique features such as bezel designs, on-screen display features, and other small features to each model to set them apart. All 3 of the 65-inch displays will come with a 120Hz VA panel made by AU Optronics with Quantum Dot film and support for DCI/P3 color along with a full-array backlight with support for HDR-10. Nvidia will also be including its popular G-Sync technologies in each model along with the newest version of its Android-based Shield TV built into the unit. Another feature includes variable refresh rates performing at the native framerates rather than with interpolation or upscaling, so movies and TV shows will play at the normal frames per second they were originally shot at (e.g movies will play at 24 FPS, and some British TV shows will play at their native 25 FPS). No word has been given by manufacturers or Nvidia on pricing for these new displays as of yet, but expect it to be higher than the average 4K TV of the same size.

Sources: 1 (Video) , 2

 

HTC unveils a new version of its popular Vive virtual reality headset at CES 2018

Electronics manufacturer HTC has unveiled an updated version of its popular Vive PC virtual reality headset during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The new headset boasts several improvements over the previous model including an upgraded dual OLED display at a resolution of 2880x1600 (1400x1600 per eye), integrated headphones, a redesigned head-strap, and dual front-facing cameras with microphones. The added features and updated design promise to increase comfort while wearing the headset and overall better experience for users. HTC also went on to state the new Vive Pro will be backwards compatible with versions 1.0 and 2.0 of Steam's VR tracking hardware and will also be selling a separate wireless adapter for both the original and Vive Pro headsets to eliminate cord clutter. As of right now, pricing and availability on the Vive Pro isn't known but the company stated it will be “available soon”. The original HTC Vive headset is also slated to stay at its current sale price of $599.99 for the rest of 2018.

 

Sources: 1 , 2

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