LucidLogix has announced a new GPU virtualization system that would allow NVIDIA and AMD GPUs to work together with the integrated graphics in Intel Sandy Bridge powered computers. According to the company, the new Virtu system manages both the discrete GPU and the Sandy Bridge graphics, assigning high-power tasks to the dedicated graphics and then shutting them down during low-demand periods so as to save power and reduce energy consumption.
LucidLogix Virtu will work with all of the new, second-generation Core i3/i5/i7 chips which Intel is expected to officially announced at CES 2011 next week, together with NVIDIA or AMD 3D GPUs. The only requirement is that the display has to be hooked up to the motherboard’s Sandy Bridge display output (whether DVI, HDMI or something else).
The system seems similar in concept to NVIDIA’s Optimus, which automatically shifts graphics crunching between integrated graphics and discrete GPUs in certain notebooks and netbooks. However, the LucidLogix virtualization system has the benefit of working with any NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards.
Press Release:
LucidLogix GPU Virtualization to Reform Entertainment PC Power Consumption
Allows Discrete and Intel’s Sandy Bridge Processor Graphics to Dynamically Manage Power, Features and Performance
KFAR NETTER, Israel and SANTA CLARA, Calif. – December 28, 2010 – The pioneer of multi- vendor/multi-GPU graphic solutions, LucidLogix today announced ground-breaking GPU virtualization software designed for Intel Sandy Bridge platforms. With this technology, next generation PCs will dynamically balance the advanced power-efficient, built-in media features of Sandy Bridge processor graphics with the high-end, DirectX 11 3D performance features of discrete GPUs, while significantly reducing the power drain of traditional entertainment desktops.
Called Virtu, the Lucid GPU virtualization software is able to assign tasks in real time to the best available graphics resource based on power, performance and features considerations, with no need for additional hardware. If high end graphics power is needed for applications like DirectX 11, high-resolution 3D gaming, the system will assign the job to the discrete GPU. If not, the discrete GPU automatically goes into idle mode, while heat drops, fan speed slows down and GPU utilization goes down to zero, resulting in a green, power-efficient, long-lasting system.
“What we have really accomplished here is a seamless visual experience where it is not necessary to choose between the amazingly rich media features of Intel Sandy Bridge platform, like HD playback and powerful video transcoding, and the high-end 3D graphics functionality and performance of a discrete GPU,” said Offir Remez, LucidLogix president and founder. “Now it is possible to experience a no-guilt, no- compromise PC entertainment experience, and save on energy at the same time.”
Designed for entry-level through mainstream PCs equipped with second generation Intel’s Core i3/i5/i7 and NVIDIA or AMD 3D GPUs, Virtu software automatically adjusts the performance, thermal and feature allocation based on the requirements of individual applications. The only system requirement is to always connect the display screen directly to the motherboard’s Sandy Bridge display output (DVI, HDMI, etc).
Recently demonstrated to the world’s top ODM and OEM system manufacturers, Remez added, “Customer feedback has been tremendous, since Virtu addresses a longstanding challenge in the market for dynamic resource allocation. Now desktops, which in real life rarely get shut down, will have the maximum graphics performance and features when they need it, while saving energy when they do not.”
Interested parties can evaluate a demo version of Lucid Virtu immediately and a beta version will be available in January 2011. In addition, the software will be demonstrated in a private suite in Las Vegas during the upcoming CES show, January 6-9. For more information about LucidLogix, visit www.lucidlogix.com.About LucidLogix
Lucid Technologies has reinvented multi-core graphics with its HYDRALOGIX real-time distributed processing engine that improves visual computing for both business and gaming applications. A fabless SoC provider, headquartered in Kfar Netter, Israel with sales and marketing in Santa Clara, California, Lucids innovations are protected by more than 60 patents pending. For more information, visit the Lucid website or follow @LucidHYDRA on Twitter.
a blog for tech junkies, gamer geeks & gadget freaks...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
LucidLogix Virtu dynamic GPU system for Intel Sandy Bridge revealed - SlashGear
Monday, December 27, 2010
Save 50% on Neverwinter Nights 2
Steam has NWN2 (Platinum Edition with all the expansions) for only $10. Graphics look dated but it might be a fun Co-Op game.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Top 50 Programming Quotes of All Time | TechSource
"Measuring programming progress by lines of code is like measuring aircraft building progress by weight."- Bill Gates
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Infinity Blade: An iOS Game Like None You've Ever Seen Before
Epic Games has released an Action RPG title, Infinity Blade for the iOS... Built using the Unreal engine featuring 3D graphics and a"gesture-based" fantasy combat system. $6 on Apples App Store. See a video of the game in action @ Gizmodo.
Infinity Blade: Tap your way to Victory!
Epic Games has released an Action RPG title, Infinity Blade for the iOS... Built using the Unreal engine featuring 3D graphics and a"gesture-based" fantasy combat system. $6 on Apples App Store.
Currently "Reading"
I am currently listening to The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie via Audible. Joe seems determined to bring "grit" and realism to the fantasy genere... If you are looking for unicorns and pixie dust this is not your cup of tea but if you want to "feel" every sword thrust and saddle sore in an epic fantasy tale give it a try.
All three books in this triligy are avaliable form Audible:
The Blade Itself
Before They Are Hanged
Last Argument of Kings
Notion Ink - Adam Pre Order
Notion Ink's Adam Tablet is up for pre-order. First to a select group then to the public at 6 p.m. CT. Still no word on release date, production capability or live operating videos. I want to believe...
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monday, November 08, 2010
Audible Obsession
Audible.com is an Internet provider of digital audiobooks. Since my Audible Love post back in January of 2009 I have added an other 45 books to my library pushing my per year average up to around 23. I'm not sure this really qualifies as an obsession but I find myself very annoyed when I have to tackle rush-hour with out a book to listen to. This may seem like a lot but before the "responsible adult" phase of my life (pre- wife, kids and career ) I probably averaged close to 50 paper books a year. Now, outside of Audible I probably only manage 6-10 books a year, which is why I haven't jumped on the Kindle bandwagon yet.
I think I still prefer the written book... If I had the time... Thats a big "IF" though and Audible allows me to keep up on my "reading" and maintain my sanity during rush-hour so worth the slight monetary premium over the paperback price.
A list of recent additions to my library after the break:
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Fox Hunting
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While I think that hunting is a privilege, we should respect the authors on this one... Fox hunting in Colorado should be banned!
Please help ban fox hunting in Colorado ~ This madness must stop.
Signed,
Peter Cottontail
Bugs Bunny
The Easter Bunny
Thumper
Friday, September 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Notion Ink Adam: Behind the Scenes - SlashGear
This is the reason I had no interest in the iPad. I am very excited about the Notion Ink's Adam tablet and I'm keeping a close eye on this startup out of India.
Top end hardware, a modern OS and an innovative screen from Pixel Qi should make this a winner if they can get it launched.
Pixel Qi’s technology means you can operate the display in two different modes: as full color LCD for use indoors or in a low-power reflective mode that actually gets brighter the more direct sunlight falls upon it. This latter mode is comparable to E Ink in its appearance.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Co-Optimus - Alien Swarm Co-Op Review
Co-Optimus gives Valve's FREE 4 player Shooter a 5 out of 5 Co-Op Score. Definitely worth the price of admission.
Starcraft II Singleplayer Impressions
It's a primitive game, in that respect. Your marines can't take cover, the maps lack any real sense of depth, and there's still no scope for genuine tactics. To succeed in Starcraft II you need to do what you did in Starcraft: namely, mine fast enough to build enough units to beat the waves of bad guys that are being thrown at you.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Honda shows off conceptual, solar-powered station to refill your conceptual, hydrogen-powered car
Hydrogen-powered cars, like Honda's FCX Clarity, face a lot of hurdles, not the least of which being a fuel source requiring more energy to produce than it in turn gives out as energy.
Gateway Launches New "Uber-Chic" Gateway ID Series Notebooks
Gateway (Acer) releases ID49 and ID59 Notebooks, 14" & 15.6" versions that feature an inch-thick aluminum housing, LED-backlit (1366x768) display, an Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, an optional Nvidia GeForce GT 330M GPU with Optimus graphics switching, up to 500GB of storage space, a DVD burner, a multi-card reader, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11b/g/n wireless connectivity.
Impressive looking systems coming out of Gateway (of all places). I find the the 14" version with the Nvidia GeForce GT 330M (Model ID49C08u) the most appealing at only $850 ...
87"-.99" (H) x 13.46" (W) x 9.64" (D) - 5.07 lbs
Wi-Fi quadricopter offers augmented reality dogfights - The Tech Report
Ha! The ultimate iPhone vs Android battle... Fight it out with remote controlled helicopters using your phone as the controller! There's an app for that.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Intel’s Canoe Lake ultrathin netbook performance put to the test
I might be willing to give up light gaming capabilities if I could get an ultra-portable this small, barely over a half inch thick.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Outlaws PC-Game by Lucas Arts
Reading the Red Dead Redemption Review made me nostalgic for the old Outlaws game by Lucas Arts... An early LAN favorite from the late 1990s...
Envy 14
It reportedly will be avaliable on June 27th and start at $999...
14.01" (W) x x 9.33" (D) 1.09-1.11" (H)
5.25 lbs
Co-Optimus - Red Dead Redemption Co-Op Review
It's an absolute blast when you have a stage coach full of your friends riding over the desert to assault a bandit compound only to drive it straight off a cliff...and survive. It's these "had to be there" moments that make Red Dead Redemption's co-op more fun than it should be.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Intel Expands 2010 Intel Core Processor Family to Stylish Ultra-Thin Laptops
Intel announced new Ultra Low Voltage versions of their i3, i5 & i7 processors designed for "Ultra-thin, Ultra-portable Laptops". These new "UM" processors will retain the Turbo Boost, Hyper-Threading & Integrated Graphics technologies with a Max TDP of 18 Watts. Likely related to the Alienware M11x news earlier today.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Fable 3 Cross Platform Co-Op?
involves converting and maintaining the network code of the Xbox 360 version of this game to the PC, and enabling the Xbox 360 version and the PC version to play together.
A hint of Cross-Platform Gaming in Fable 3?!?
Corrinne Yu talks shop - The Tech Report
Wow check out the Principal Engine Architect for the Halo Team at Microsoft... Definitely not the stereotypical game programmer....
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Evoluce 47-inch HD multitouch display gets off-screen gesture control -- Engadget
At about 27 seconds in the video shows the presenter rocking a RTS on this 47" touch-screen...