Fabric7 beats Sun to x86

Fabric7 has tried to steal the high-end x86 symmetric multi-processors (SMP) server limelight from Sun Microsystems, by announcing a number of upgrades just ahead of Sun`s eight-socket server launch, reports The Register.

Fabric7 has sold two types of server systems - the more conventional eight-socket Q80 and the unique fourteen-socket Q160.

The start-up this month will complement these servers with a host of hardware options, including a new fibre channel gateway, general purpose blade servers and modules meant to handle specific tasks. These additions should solidify Fabric7`s attack on the x86 SMP market, ignored by most of the tier ones.

Freescale Semiconductor has produced the first commercial non-volatile random access memory (RAM) product that can compete with normal RAM for speed and endurance, but maintain its memory when the power is switched off, according to a release.

Freescale, which was spun-off from Motorola in 2004, says the first commercial magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM) device is now in volume production. Potentially, MRAM could make all other forms of memory and storage obsolete, including normal RAM, Flash and magnetic storage.

MRAM uses ferromagnetic material to store data and therefore doesn`t rely on power like standard RAM to keep data stored. It consists of arrays of magnetic memory cells in which the information is stored as the magnetisation direction of tiny ferromagnetic elements.

Apple has come up with another innovation: the talking iPod. A new generation of machines will use sophisticated software to convert the names of bands, albums and individual tracks into recognisable speech, reports Scotsman.

The new iPod will tell the listener what it is about to play, removing the need for users to look at the screen while selecting music, and making the device safer and easier to use while driving, cycling or in badly-lit locations.

Crucially, the talking machines could give the iPod a much needed competitive edge in the hotly-contested digital music player market.