I’ve been thinking a lot lately about microprocessors, from the many-core CPUs that AMD and Intel introduced recently to the massively scalable GPGPU processing that’s taking machine learning by storm. After years of consolidation on commodity x86 CPUs, it seems that the computing paradigm is turning again to specialized offload processors. This trend towards heterogeneous computing will change the face of hardware, from mobile devices to the datacenter.
Where Have All The GPU’s Gone? Cryptocurrency Mining!
General-purpose GPU computing has been on the rise for years, from OpenCL and CUDA to machine learning and self-driving cars. But cryptocurrency mining has exploded in 2017, draining the market of AMD’s latest graphics cards as mining rigs pop up from basements to warehouses all over the world. The strength of Bitcoin in international finance suggests that Ethereum, Zcash, and others “altcoins” will find their own niches. We are seeing the emergence of a new computing category.
Mac OS X 10.6 “Snow Leopard”: In Our Hands August 28!
Apple’s bizarre online store reboot this morning revealed that the next point-update for Mac OS X will be in the hands of the faithful this Friday, August 28! Many speculated on the purported September availability of the operating system upgrade, but today’s information clears the air. Although Apple’s web site clearly states that Snow Leopard […]
iPhone OS 3.0: Apple’s Netbook OS
Apple has a big 2009 planned, focused on mobility: Apple will introduce us to the basic features of iPhone OS 3.0 on March 17. Apple will release a new iPhone handset in June, powered by OS 3.0. Apple will introduce a 10-inch touch-screen netbook/tablet in September, for Fall release. That’s my take on Apple’s timeline, it […]
The New Mac Mini is Finally Here!
I’ve been waiting on a Mac Mini to replace my sluggish and crash-prone Firefly/NSLU2 home music and file server, and Apple finally delivered the goods today, after leaving us in the lurch at Macworld 2009! I’ve placed my order for a base-model Mac Mini, and look forward to using Apple’s iPhone Remote with the Airport […]