iPhone 6 retour sur le processeur A8

Apple ne s’est pas beaucoup appesanti sur le processeur des iPhone 6 lors de sa dernière Keynote. Les performances annoncées (+ 25% en CPU et + 50% en GPU) semblent désigner clairement une puce dans la continuité du A7, et sans doute avec le même nombre de coeurs (CPU et GPU). Les petits gars de Chipworks ont mis les mains dans le cambouis, et il ressort en effet qu’Apple n’a pas joué la carte de la révolution cette fois et n’aura pas réitéré le coup de tonnerre du A7 premier 64 bits mobile.

Passé au microscope, le A8 dévoile quelques-uns de ses secrets : le passage à la finesse de gravure en 20 nm ne fait pas beaucoup diminuer la surface de la puce, qui passe de 104mm2 à 89mm2. Cela signifie qu’Apple a profité du gain en gravure pour rajouter au A8 les 1 milliards de transistors supplémentaires par rapport au A7. Le GPU est bien un PowerVr d’Imagination, le GX6450 (Rogue 2). Celui-ci reste en 4 coeurs, mais cela suffit pour obtenir des performances qui le classent parmi les plus puissants GPU actuels.

De son côté le CPU est toujours basé sur un ARMv8 custom, toujours avec 4Mo de mémoire cache, mais Chipworks considère qu’il s’agit en fait d’une version améliorée du A7 «Cyclone» contenu dans l’iPhone 5s. Au vu des premiers tests, qui placent le A8 parmi les meilleurs processeurs actuels en performances brutes, on est en droit de se demander ce qui se serait passé si Apple avait fait le choix d’un saut d’architecture plus franc.

Répondez sans toucher l rsquo;iPhone sous iOS 8 avec HandsFree 2

Il peut arriver de ne pas pouvoir utiliser ses mains pour répondre au téléphone par exemple lorsqu’on fait la cuisine, la vaisselle ou tout simplement lorsqu’on a des gants. Handsfree est un tweak Cydia disponible depuis iOS 7 qui va vous permettre de décrocher lors d’un appel (ou Facetime) d’un simple geste de la main. Aujourd’hui, Handsfree 2 est disponible sur le Cydia Store et apporte la compatibilité avec iOS 8.

Pour rappel, le tweak utilise le capteur de proximité de l’iPhone pour fonctionner, mais ne s’active seulement lorsqu’on vous appel. Votre batterie ne se videra donc pas. En passant votre main au-dessus de votre iPhone, le haut-parleur s’active automatiquement.

Après l’installation, vous pouvez configurer dans les paramètres de Handsfree le nombre de mouvements de la main nécessaires pour décrocher, la rapidité du mouvement et si le haut-parleur du téléphone doit s’activer même lorsque des écouteurs sont branchés.

HandsFree 2 est, comme la première version, disponible sur la source BigBoss au prix de 0,99$. Il est compatible avec tous les iDevices jailbreakés sous iOS 7.1 au minimum. Pour finir, sachez que Handsfree est également fonctionnel avec les appels Facetime.

Chiffrement iOS 8 le DoJ accuse Apple de favoriser des actes criminels

On savait déjà que le FBI n’appréciait pas vraiment le système de chiffrage des données intégré dans iOS 8, mais la critique vient de franchir un nouveau pallier avec le compte rendu d’une réunion «secrète» qui a réuni des représentants légaux d’Apple et James Cole, l’un des bras armés du Département de la Justice américaine (DoJ), soit l’une des administrations les plus puissantes des Etats-Unis.

Selon les éléments du rapport récupérés par le Wall Street Journal, le DOJ reproche à Apple le fait d’avoir créé pour son iPhone une boîte noire inviolable à l’intérieur d’iOS 8, ce qui pourrait conduire un jour, prévient  James Cole, à la mort d’un enfant. Carrément.

Bruce Sewell, le responsable juridique d’Apple, a de son côté précisé que lors d’une enquête de police classique, les forces de l’ordre avaient déjà à leur disposition un grand nombre d’éléments leur permettant d’arrêter un kidnappeur potentiel, comme les données stockées sur iCloud ou les informations de localisation, qui ne sont pas soumises aux procédés de chiffrement intégral.

La tension est montée d’un cran lors de la réunion lorsque le juge a demandé à Sewell pour quelles raisons ils n’intégraient pas une «backdoor» dans iOS 8, qui serait bien sûr seulement mise à disposition des autorités de justice. Imperturbable, Sewell a alors rétorqué en une phrase lapidaire : «Nous ne pouvons pas créer une clef que seulement les «bons» gars pourraient utiliser«, laissant entendre que si une porte dérobée est installée, les criminels s’en serviront aussi, ce qui de facto enlèverait tout intérêt au chiffrement intégral.

Rappelons tout de même que l’on sait aujourd’hui que le DOJ a mis en place un système de récupération des appels téléphoniques (et d’autres données) par le biais d’avions «sniffeurs» qui seraient capables d'»aspirer» une très grande masse de données sans que le citoyen n’en soit informé. Avec la mise à la benne avant hier du projet de loi Freedom Act visant à limiter les pouvoirs d’espionnage massif de la NSA, l’impression qui domine est qu’Apple, Google et quelques autres sont moins critiqués pour les verrous qu’ils mettent en place que par le fait que ces sécurités empêchent justement cet espionnage légalisé et massif.

Sourceappleinsider

100.000 téléchargements pour le SDK iPhone

En moins d'un an, Apple a réussi à conquérir une place d'importance sur le marché de la téléphonie mobile, et les récentes annonces relatives à l'arrivée du SDK iPhone ainsi que du firmware 2.0 ne manquent pas d'attiser les passions. Apple peut se féliciter d'avoir réalisé un carton plein avec son SDK puisque ce dernier aurait d'ores et déjà été téléchargé plus de 100.000 fois en quatre jours !

De nombreux curieux l'ont fait, et ce chiffre ne signifie pas que 100.000 développeurs se préparent à sortir des applications pour iPhone ou iPod Touch, mais ce chiffre d'importance témoigne de l'attention qu'accordent les spécialistes du code, amateurs comme professionnels, à la plateforme Mac OS X Mobile !

Le fonds d'investissement iFunds de 100 millions de dollars mis en place par Apple et la firme KPCB (Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers) serait-il pour quelque chose dans cet engouement ?

iPhone 3G à 99 euros chez Phone and Phone

Phone and Phone, qui avait réussi à faire copieusement parler de lui lors de la sortie de l'iPhone v1 remet le couvert en annonçant sur son site la commercialisation de l'iPhone 3G associé à des abonnements... Bouygues Telecom ! Il vous en coûtera 99 euros pour un iPhone 3G 8 Go, sous réserve d'un engagement de 24 mois à un forfait Neo facturé 59 euros par mois.

Avec un forfait Illimythics de SFR (50 euros minimum), l'iPhone 3G est vendu 379 euros. Pour l'instant, Phone and Phone ne semble pas proposer de modèles 16 Go. Reste maintenant à savoir comment Orange va réagir à cette provocation !

AiRace Speed Review

Claustrophobia is something I don't dabble in. It makes me get panicky, and I can't stand not being able to escape small enclosed spaces. Getting the hell out of there as fast as possible then becomes my MO. With that in mind, AiRace Speed satisfies both the need to escape, and to high-tail it out of there.
Developer: QubicGames
Platform: Nintendo 3DS (eShop)
Release Date: September 20, 2013
strong>Price: $4.99
Review Notes: A code for the game was received for review purposes.
For fans of games like Wipeout and Hydro Thunder, you will find similarities in style in AiRace Speed. The ship in which you are zipping through tunnels in resemble those of Wipeout. Even the hovering style in which it is done is similar. If it's speed you're looking for, then there is hope. Much like Hydro Thunder,appleiphoneshopping the game trains you to not just go fast, but fly through at turbo speeds through the entirety of the race. In fact, it’s almost essential.
The biggest difference is that AiRace pulls off similar racing elements and does them flawlessly in 3D. There are few games that can match this graphical prowess on the '3DS console, but this racer seems to pull it off with ease.
So, how does AiRace differ from other racing titles out there? Well, there are a few things which make this a different style of speeder. For starters, there aren't any other opponents in the game. Instead, the biggest challenge is you. Your skills will determine if you can make that hairpin turn or avoid that bowed archway. You must do so to complete the given track and do this with a winning time. Other hindrances come in the form of land obstacles. From broken blast doors, to hammering pistons, there are many ways to destroy the perfect run you were lining up.
The racing itself is pretty straight forward, literally. Flying through the tunnels can come in the form of a straight sprint or a lapped race. The curves and snake-like turns will bring you back to the beginning, most times, and ready for another lap. Most times it feels as though you are speeding through tunnels until a 90-degree turn is needing to be made for a shortcut. This probably sounds a lot easier than it actually is.
There is an array of options to make sure that you can control your experience in any way you see fit. Moving your ship is done with the swivel pad or the use of the stylus. However, the stylus option was nowhere near as responsive as ye'old button controls. The 'L' and 'R' shoulder buttons allow you to tilt your ship for necessary sharp maneuvers. The 'A' button is your turbo while the 'B' button is used for air brakes.
The game is fast, and if you don't think you are going to crash, you will. Many times. Many, many times actually. The game docks you three seconds for each crash, unless it is a distance run. In this case you are given a limited amount of lives and must travel the designated distance in order to win that metal. So, a bronze may have you travel 150-miles,R4 3ds while obtaining a silver medal might be 250-miles. As you travel further there are tighter spaces to squeeze through and come out unscathed.
Much like any other racing title out there, AiRace hosts a variety of vehicles. Each vehicle, or ship, has different attributes. These are similar to other racers being that they vary in speed, agility or shield. Ships are not chosen but designated by level. The shield also plays a part in the level. As you hit the sides of a tunnel your shield lowers in power. Going without hitting anything will allow it to regenerate. Dropping the shield will leave you to explode and start over. And, if you are in a pinch for time, might throw more than just the race. And, my '3DS is now cracked.
Keeping with the game's fast pace is its soundtrack. The game features upbeat digital jams that carry you along through your space race. This was one are that further showed off the games polish. Beats were different, catchy, and didn't become annoying after countless hours of playing.
Other aesthetically pleasing elements to the game can be found in multiple departments. The graphics of the game look sharp and damn near perfect. The game shows off smooth textures when barreling down shaped tunnels, and opens up into detailed space haul interiors. The game also features achievements and online leaderboards.
After playing through the game for some time, it's hard to say there are any gripes or complaints. New levels are unlocked with more medals earned, even giving the game higher replay value. It almost reminds me of the very under-appreciated title, Nano Assault.
Final Truth:
AiRace Speed is a fast paced and fun game. There are plenty of challenges throughout the game, whether those are the obstacles or beating your best time.
Medals are earned and they unlock new levels. There are also a variety of ships and different attributes for each of them. So, the experience doesn't stay the same through the course of the game. This will also help out considering the game is perfectly polished visually,r4i gold 3ds rts and plays in 3D quite well. To help you out, there are also a variety of button configurations, but the stylus option isn't the best in the world.
AiRace Speed is one of the most solid Nintendo 3DS titles to hit the eShop. And, for $4.99, it's a steal.
AiRace Speed ReviewG. Bargas, Managing EditorSound/MusicGraphcsFeaturesReplay ValueControls.

Amazon has Acquired Double Helix Games

It's been a running rumor for some time now that Amazon.com, purveyor of fine goods at often inexpensive rates, has been working on a video game console. It's been reported, time and time again, for a decent amount of time. And why wouldn't they, right? They're already the primary destination for people looking for deals on just about everything else, and have opened up dedicated shops for digital goods already, so it wouldn't seem too far-fetched that they'd come up with their own solution.
Well it seems that either those rumors are true or Amazon is becoming a publisher, as it's being reported that they've acquired Double Helix Games, the development studio behind the Xbox One's launch title Killer Instinct. Surprisingly,http://fr.r4-ds.net/ if you search for 'killer instinct xbox one' on the site, you'll barely find copies of the physical game. Whether or not that has anything to do with this purchase is up in the air, but it's surprising nonetheless.
Possibilities
There are multiple ways that this kind of thing can go. It's fairly common knowledge that Amazon isn't always profitable. Is that likely due to loopholes? Of course, but with the fact that Amazon is already comfortable operating at a loss, there are a few unique possibilities that this could lean toward that don't necessarily mean they're releasing a console to compete with the likes of Microsoft, Sony & Nintendo.
First, there's the obvious possibility that they could be releasing an Android gaming console. If that were the case, as is the technology way as of late, I'd expect it to be decked out with an Nvidia Tegra chip (simply because I have high hopes) and release a new version of this console every year. This is common with phones/tablets/Kindles & TVs, so that would be expected. Chances are it would have some serious media backing, what with Amazon having Amazon Instant Video.
It would also make sense since Amazon is already selling high quality tech in the Kindle Fire series. Would we be talking PlayStation 4 power here? Not at all, but remember that Amazon isn't a hardcore gaming company, so they'd be aiming at a different audience, which is where the media capabilities come in. Even with all that though, there would still be the fact that Amazon would have to create a system.
Another scenario is Amazon simply throwing itself into a publisher role. They could create and publish games on the major platforms without having to worry about all the hassle of hardware.arshblog What's more fearsome to the status quo than a publisher who doesn't worry about the sales of its games because it will price them how it damn well pleases? Don't think for a second that Amazon wouldn't sell it's own games for a mega-discount on its own website if the Xbox Live or PlayStation Network price wasn't what Amazon would prefer.
Amazon's Killer Instincts
Realistically, since Amazon has a decent foothold in the markets of media and digital purchases, an Amazon game console has the potential to do serious numbers, especially if they hit the ground running with a system that's graphically more capable than the Xbox 360 and PS3 for a similar or cheaper price.
Think about it:
Amazon PrimeAmazon Instant VideoAmazon Digital Game Store
If I were a console maker, I might just be weary of what Amazon may do. They have the potential to shake up the gaming market from under the feet of the current titans while still peddling their wares. They definitely wouldn't stop selling physical copies of the other system's games, that'd be craziness for everyone involved. This thought alone spreads doubt through my mind that Amazon is actually building a console, but stranger things have happened.
The mere possibility of it should be a wake-up call, though. Winter is coming, and this particular snowstorm could be named Amazon.

Amazon.com, double helix games