Stolen laptop leads victim to thieves by webcam

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

What an uber-classic, fantastic.

A tech-savvy White Plains woman whose apartment was burglarized solved the crime herself after she was able to log on to her stolen laptop, photograph one of the suspects with it and get photos of another, police said. Edmon Shahikian, 23, of 13 Cobbling Rock Road, Katonah, and Ian Frias, 20, of 1609 E. 174th St., the Bronx, were picked up at their homes Wednesday night after the victim turned the pictures over to police. The police said they recovered most of the $5,000 worth of electronics stolen in the burglary.

"Our victim did a phenomenal job," said Lt. Eric Fischer, commander of the Detective Division. "She knew her computer, and she let us know as soon as she obtained the information. We rolled on it immediately, and the result is the arrest of two burglary suspects and the recovery of most of the stolen property."

The burglary was reported April 27, when three roommates returned to their Ridgeview Avenue apartment about 10 p.m. to discover that it had been ransacked.

Among the items taken were two laptops, two flat-screen televisions, two iPods, gaming consoles, DVDs and computer games. Police found no sign of force.

On Tuesday, police said, one of the victims, who works at The Apple Store in The Westchester mall, received a call from a friend asking her if she was online.

The victim said no, and was told by the friend that his computer showed her as being logged onto the Internet.

At that point, police said, the victim signed onto another computer and used the "Back to My Mac" program to determine that her stolen MacIntosh laptop indeed was signed onto the Web and that someone was using it to shop online. She then activated the stolen computer's camera, allowing her to "see" what was in front of the laptop.

At first, police said, she saw only an empty chair. But a short time later, they said, she was able to photograph a man, Shahikian, sitting in front of her stolen laptop. The victim then was able to find photos of Frias using the computer after it had been stolen, police said.

Fischer said the victim did not know either man but showed the photos to one of her roommates, who recognized them as having attended a get-together at the apartment a few weeks before the burglary.

Police said Shahikian and Frias apparently are friends of a friend of the victims.The computer-savvy victim contacted police, gave them the tell-tale photos, and the arrests were made a short time later. Shahikian and Frias are charged with second-degree burglary and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, both felonies.

Bail and court information were unavailable. Frias and Shahikian were arrested last year on charges of criminal possession of marijuana, a felony, after police recovered 3 pounds of marijuana worth about $7,500 in a Jeep they were in. The dispositions of their cases were not immediately available.

Powned !


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nHancer 2.4.1 (NVIDIA Profile Editor) download

Graphics Cards 1673 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

nVidia's own control panel is not always very intuitive to use. Especially the 3D rendering settings are very cryptic and difficult to navigate. Even the new control panel introduced with the 9x.xx line of Forceware drivers isn't a real improvements for these problems. nHancer is a tool to improve the usage of these features.

New features in version 2.4.1:

  • New graphical design for the logos, the splash window and the about window, made by Eberhard Klauke.
  • Completely redesigned user interface for the profile management:
    • Search for profiles by their name (just enter a part of the game's or the application's name while nHancer's window is active)
    • Filter the list of profiles with the new filter menu (the icon on the top right corner of the profile list) using their type or properties. Most useful is the filter that shows only the profiles for actually installed programs
  • Support for all GeForce 9x00 cards and all GeForce (formerly Forceware) drivers up to 175.x
  • Even the fixed settings in nVidia's predefined profiles can now be altered, including the "forbidden" flag used in some profiles to disallow anti-aliasing. All profiles can also be reverted to their original state just by clicking on the "delete" button.
  • Added additional anti-aliasing modes for GeForce 8x00 and 9x00 cards. The mode "8xSQ" is especially interesting, it gives 2x2 supersampling and 2x multisampling
  • Added new SLI modes for triple and quad SLI
  • Added support for Hybrid-SLI
  • Added anti-aliasing compatibility flags for DirectX 10
  • Added OpenGL multi monitor and multi GPU options
  • If nHancer is started with full administration privileges, it runs fine even without the nHancer support service. It's possible to deny the installation of the service altogether during nHancer's installation procedure.
  • A load of minor improvements and corrections. More dertails can be found in the Readme file

Download - click-here


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SoftTH - Software Triplehead 1.07 beta download

Graphics Cards 1673 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Cheers to James our server guru for spotting this one. Remember the Matrox TripleHead 2 Go we recently tested ?

SoftTH - Software Triplehead is a tool that allows allows using three monitor "triplehead" with Direct3D 8 and 9 games without special hardware. You need three monitors attached to PCI Express video cards. Only one card does all the rendering work, so secondary card can be a low end card, only Direct3D support is required. SoftTH works by rendering the whole scene on one display adapter, which then gets split into three parts to be displayed on each monitor. While it is technically possible to use it on a AGP/PCI card, only PCI Express has the required bandwidth to get good framerates.

For download & info: click here

 


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World In Conflict: Soviet Assault trailer

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Massive Entertainment released a new theatrical trailer of World In Conflict: Soviet Assault.

World in Conflict: Soviet Assault will feature a brand new campaign, new units (chronoplane), as well as the option to call the reinforcements or new units to the battlefiled by using the context menu or voice communication via the headset, same as in Tom Clancy's EndWar. World in Conflict: Soviet Assault for consoles is in the works at Swordfish Studios with Massive Entertainment supplying only new content.

This expansion pack will be released in Q4 2008.


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CPU-Z 1.45 download release

Processor 721 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

CPU-Z is probably the best ever diagnostic tool that provides information on your CPU, including: processor name and vendor, core stepping and process, processor package, internal and external clocks, clock multiplier, partial overclock detection, processor features, supported instructions sets, L1 and L2 cache information, location, size, speed, and technology.

CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

CPU

* Name and number.
* Core stepping and process.
* Package.
* Core voltage.
* Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier.
* Supported instructions sets.
* Cache information.
 

Mainboard

* Vendor, model and revision.
* BIOS model and date.
* Chipset (northbridge and southbridge) and sensor.
* Graphic interface.

Memory

* Frequency and timings.
* Module(s) specification using SPD (Serial Presence Detect) : vendor, serial number, timings table.

System

* Windows and DirectX version.

News and corrections:

  • Intel Atom Z500/Z510/Z520/Z530/Z540 processors.
  • Intel Core 2 Duo E7x00 processor.
  • AMD 45 nm Phenom (Dened & Shanghai) processors.
  • Intel P45 chipset.

Download - click here.


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Bioware backs down on 10 day checks

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

We posted earlier on in this article that Bioware claimed that the PC versions of both Mass Effect and Spore will make use of copy protection that will require online validation every ten days to continue working. They got a little freaked about the response and probably saw their cash-book being vaporized. Bioware has now confirmed they won't be going along with the ten day checking system.

There has been a lot of discussion in the past few days on how the security requirements for Mass Effect for PC will work. BioWare, a division of EA, wants to let fans know that Mass Effect will not require 10- day periodic re-authentication.

BioWare has always listened very closely to its fans and we made this decision to ensure we are delivering the best possible experience to them. To all the fans including our many friends in the armed services and internationally who expressed concerns that they would not be able re-authenticate as often as required, EA and BioWare want you to know that your feedback is important to us.

The solution being implemented for Mass Effect for the PC changes copy protection from being key disc based, which requires authentication every time you play the game by requiring a disc in the drive, to a one time online authentication.

This system has an added benefit of allowing players to seamlessly play the game without needing the DVD in the drive.

Key points---

  • This solution allows gamers to authenticate their game on three different computers with the purchase of one disc. EA Customer Service is on hand to supply any additional authorizations that are warranted. This will be done on a case-by-case basis by contacting customer support.
  • Games are authorized to the machine when the player installs and launches the software for the first time.
  • We

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BioShock Movie likely to be made

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

A lot of gaming news today. Yesterday however some really intersting news surfaced on the web. See if there is one game with a perfect cinematic feel and storyline for a movie, it has to be BioShock. And as it seems, Universal Pictures are apparently teaming up to bring BioShock to the big screen. The game publisher announced today that it has inked a deal to make a film based on the underwater shooter. What's more, Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski is attached to direct, and Oscar-winning writer John Logan (Gladiator, The Aviator) is in talks to pen the screenplay.
Sez the boss of Take 2:

"We are excited that 2K Games' vision for BioShock will be carried forward in a new medium," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two. "BioShock has been hailed as one of the most highly cinematic and richly plotted titles in interactive entertainment, making it extremely well-suited to film. In partnering with Universal and Gore Verbinski, we have assembled a team that respects the uniqueness of BioShock and will translate it into a powerful movie experience."

Big news. But I still have to wonder if this BioShock flick will ever actually get made. Due to the problems with Halo and other big videogame properties, I'm sure not going to hold my breath. Although I am at least cautiously optimistic, given that this project has a director attached.

Check Take 2's website for more information.


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Call of Duty 5 PC game in the works

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Gosh did I like and still like Call of Duty 4. Anyway, During its fiscal Q4 2008 earnings call Activision shared some information about Call of Duty 5. The game will be available before April 2009 on the PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii and DS.

' For Call of Duty, we


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Codemasters Formula 1 License is confirmed

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Wooohooo ! Finally a new F1 game on the horizon. Codemasters has announced that it has secured a license to create Formula One racing games, after Sony recently opted not to renew its deal. With the new license, Codemasters plans to develop a new F1 game franchise for multiple platforms including PC, with the first title expected in 2009.

"FORMULA 1 is ambitious in expanding its reach with more circuits planned beyond recent additions in the Middle East and China," said Rod Cousens, chief executive officer, Codemasters. "It is also ambitious in expanding its reach via technology. The digital communities that computer and video gaming creates will play a key role in further growing the FORMULA 1 audience and connecting them globally. As a world-leading creator of driving games, this alliance with FORMULA 1 is the jewel in Codemasters' racing crown and creates an undisputed segment champion. FORMULA 1 has gone with the best, the segment leader. It has gone to the home of the EGO Engine for quality; it has gone to the company that can host FORMULA 1 Online, to the company that is streaking away from the pack."

"Codemasters' success and recent innovations in the racing game space makes the company more than appropriately tuned for the challenge," said Chris Deering, chairman, Codemasters. "The combination of FORMULA 1's new momentum of expansion and Codemasters' contemporary technology and past experience is the breaking of a new dawn for the sport, on the track and on the HD game screen."

The FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP games will be developed using the evolution of the award-winning EGO Game Technology Engine, Codemasters' highly versatile cross-platform middleware technology. Its advanced graphics and physics technology brings an unmatched cinematic quality and realism to interactive entertainment.

The first title will be released next year for the PC and consoles. Let's hope they throw some real-time physics effects in it :)


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Burnout Paradise PC Announced

Games 1603 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Sweey news from Criterion Games as today they have announced that the award-winning Burnout Paradise is being rebuilt specifically for the PC. The game will be the first Burnout title ever made for the PC, offering expanded multiplayer, enhanced online features and community driven content.

Burnout Paradise features an open-world environment built for intense speed, excitement and exploration and offers seamless transition from single-player to online multiplayer gameplay.

The PC version promises to combine all the elements from the home console versions with new gameplay made for the PC. More information will be revealed during a live webcast at criteriongames.com at 8:00 AM PST today.


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Cooler Master Hyper Z600 CPU cooler released

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Cooler Master's Hyper Z600 product page is now online, we've already shown you this cooler at our CeBIT 2008 report. A review sample is inbound, yet delivery was delayed.  I hope to have a review on a couple of coolers within the next two weeks.

This massive processor cooler was shown off at CeBIT a couple of weeks ago. It supports the latest Intel and AMD sockets and has a copper base, six heatpipes and aluminum fins. It measures 127.28mm x 127.28mm x 160mm and weighs 1045g.

Overclockers are also kept in mind when designing the Z600, as up to two 120mm fans can be added to opposing sides of the heat-sink in a push-pull configuration. With one 120mm fan, the Z600 transforms into a first class cooler for CPUs running beyond 89W. With two fans, the Z600 becomes cooling solution for the serious overclocker. The Hyper Z600 is compatible with all existing CPU sockets.

Features:

1. The interlaced fins maximizes the dissipation surface to provide superior cooling performance 2. Unique

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Intel, Samsung and TSMC target transition to 450mm wafers

Processor 721 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Intel, Samsung and TSMC have reached an agreement on the need for industry-wide collaboration to target a transition to larger, 450mm-sized wafers starting in 2012.

The transition to larger wafers will enable continued growth of the semiconductor industry and helps maintain a reasonable cost structure for future integrated circuit manufacturing and applications. The companies will cooperate with the semiconductor industry to help ensure that all of the required components, infrastructure and capability are developed and tested for a pilot line by this target date.


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Diamond Viper Radeon HD 3850 Ruby edition 512MB review

Graphics Cards 1673 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

Diamond Viper Radeon HD 3850 Ruby edition 512MB review

Today Guru3D peeks at the Diamond Viper Radeon HD 3850 512Mb Ruby edition, a fun product. It's a Radeon HD 3850 colored with a red PCB, a custom cooler slapped on top of it and they pre-overclocked it to get closer the Radeon HD 3870 performance level, all that for roughly 140 EUR / 179 USD. Not bad. Let's have a look at the technology empowering this graphics card and then startup the in-depth review.

Full URL:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-3850-review-diamond-viper-ruby-edition-512-mb/


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Pioneer unveils four new Elite A/V Receivers

Generic News 1994 Published by Hilbert Hagedoorn 0

I was a Pioneer audio freak once. Right now Onkyo has my two thumbs up up the best audio quality. But the design of this new Elite series from Pioneer are truly impressive. Pioneer introduced four new A/V receivers to its Elite line. The SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH feature 7.1-channel surround sound connections and support DTS HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus lossless audio formats. The SC-07 and SC-05 benefit from the same Direct Energy HD amplifier with ICEpower analog class D technology Pioneer uses in its flagship SC-09TX receiver.
Both SC models sport Pioneer's Home Media Gallery IP networking that allows personal digital music and JPEG photo files to be accessed from a PC hard drive or USB. The feature supports DLNA, Windows Vista or Windows Media Connect, and Microsoft playsforsure DRM technology. The two are also equipped with Precision Quart Locking System that synchronizes data via an HDMI connection with the company's new Blu-ray Disc players and the receivers for ultra precise CD playback. Rounding out SC-exclusive attributes is Pioneer's DSP with Full Band Phase Control to eliminate group delay of each speaker.

The SC-07 is the heavyweight of the four, with a Burr Brown Sampling Rate Converter capable of upscaling audio to 192kHZ, 24-bit resolution, as well as two 1.3a HDMI outputs for multiple room support.

Common features to all include room-tuning software, a new symmetric equalization (EQ) and anti-jitter technologies. Each receiver integrates design cues that make them ready for custom home theater installations in multi-zone and multi-source set-ups.

The VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will be available in June for a suggested price of $750 and $1,000, respectively, while the SC-05 and SC-07 ship in August for $1,800 and $2,200, respectively.


Pioneer Elite SC-07


Pioneer SC-09


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