Apple updates iMac line with Haswell processors, faster WiFi and graphics

Apple's updated their iMac line with fourth generation Intel quad-core processors of the Haswell variety. The enduring all-in-ones also get improved graphics and faster WiFi that's compatible with the 802.11ac standard.

The entry-level 21.5-inch iMac  ($1,299 (US)) features a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and new Iris Pro graphics for unprecedented levels of integrated graphics performance. The high-end 21.5-inch model ( $1,499 (US) and both 27-inch models (starting at  $1,799 (US)) feature quad-core Intel Core i5 processors up to 3.4 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce 700 series graphics with twice the video memory and up to 40 percent faster performance than the previous generation.

Customers looking for the ultimate in performance can upgrade to quad-core Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.5 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 780M series graphics with up to 4GB of video memory. All prices are in US dollars.

Samsung introduces new image sensor tech

Samsung looks to be ditching Back Side Illumination (BSI) in favor of its new imaging sensor technology they call ISOCELL. The new pixel tech is expected to increase light sensitivity and control effectively the “absorption of electrons” that would bring about higher color fidelity and 30 percent less electrical noise in low light pictures. ISOCELL technology will form a barrier between each pixel that will reduce the noise and allow for a wider field of light to enter the sensor. This also helps reduce the height of the camera module, which would allow manufacturers to create slimmer and smaller mobile device form factors.

The first sensor to adopt the new tech is the 8-megapixel S5K4H5YB, which they are sampling to hardware partners at the moment. Expect high-end devices unveiled in the fourth quarter to feature the new sensor technology.

Source: Android Central

Survey shows significant increase in Canadian Netflix subscribers

The Canadian user base of Netflix seems to have nearly doubled, according to a survey conducted by the Media Technology Monitor. They have surveyed 2,013 Canadian adults between March 6 and April 14. The results showed that 25 percent of English-speaking Canadians have signed up for Netflix, up from the 13 percent who signed up in the spring of 2012. The highest number of Netflix users in Canada are in western areas of the country, with 40 percent located in Saskatchewan and 31 percent in Alberta. The service is popular with parents with 37 percent of households with kids under 12 are subscribers and there is a subscriber in a third of homes where teens live.

Other results from the report indicate that 84 percent of the respondents watch at least one movie or TV show on Netflix every week. About eight percent of Canadians polled tried the service but didn’t think it was worth their time, 36 percent felt there was a lack of content in the Canadian version of the service, and 28 percent said their use of Netflix didn’t justify the $8 monthly fee.

Source: Maclean’s

Valve announces free Linux-based SteamOS

Valve wants to bring the gaming experience straight into your living room with its new SteamOS. The free Linux-based operating system will let you play games from your PC right into your television, turning any computer you own into a Steam-powered console. Games can be streamed right from your PCs or Macs to the Steam-powered machine over your home network. What’s more, SteamOS allows for multiple accounts, letting you share the gaming experience with the people in your household.  

This OS announce is one of three major announcements from Valve, each being represented by a different symbol on Steam’s site. It raises speculation that an actual console or "Steambox" might make its debut.