Tech news:

Toshiba introduces 8 and 16 stacked memory dies, enable 16TB SSDs

kitguru.net wrote
The multi-layer chips by Toshiba feature 1Gb/s data rate, 1.8V core voltage and 1.2V I/O voltage. The new packages use 50 per cent less energy on write operations, read operations, and I/O data transfers than Toshiba’s current products.
The 16-die NAND flash chips with 256GB capacity can enable solid-state drives with extreme capacities. For example, SanDisk’s Optimus Max 4TB SSD uses 64 64GB memory chips. 64 256GB multi-layer chips would provide 16TB of NAND flash storage in a 3.5” package, but in order to build such a drive a special controller and a lot of other things are needed.

http://www.kitguru.net/components/memory/anton-shilov/toshibas-16-die-stacked-nand-chips-can-enable-16tb-enterprise-class-ssds

Basically, Toshiba is able to stack the chips much more tightly than before. Sadly the speed is only 1/Gps since the drives are meant for commercial use. Most consumer drives are 6/Gps. Bummer.

Tool created to unlock more potential out of new AMD GPUs (breaks warranty)

overclockers.net wrote
This tool can be used to read information about active and disabled CU units in Hawaii, Tonga and Fiji.
Tool is based on public sources with some amount of guess-work. Any data interpretations are not official.

Tested on all supported chips.

http://www.overclock.net/t/1567179/activation-of-cores-in-hawaii-tonga-and-fiji-unlockability-tester-ver-1-6-and-atomtool

Someone found out that some extra options and shaders are disabled on the new Figi XT card and the 300 series gpus. A custom BIOS is able to be flashed to the card to get to these options. I personally don't recommend this, it's a minimal performance boost. Just stick to OCing those cards.

The FCC recommends carriers to switch over to fiber instead of copper cables

arstechnica.com wrote
The FCC today imposed new rules on carriers that intend to turn off copper networks and replace them with fiber, but said that carriers should feel free to make the switch as long as they keep providing the same services to customers.
As before, carriers still need approval from the FCC before shutting off copper networks in cases where they intend to reduce or discontinue service. "However, carriers will retain the flexibility to retire their copper networks in favor of fiber without prior Commission approval—as long as no service is discontinued, reduced, or impaired," the commission said in its annoucement.

http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/08/fcc-urges-carriers-to-turn-off-copper-networks-upgrade-to-fiber/

The FCC passed some new rules about fiber optic cabling for internet and phones. Copper cabling is slower than fiber but can work (only phone lines) during power outages. Strictly fiber cabling would result in needing battery backups in case of power outages.

Cherry MX Silent mechanical keyswitches launched

hexus.net wrote
Cherry MX Silent switches are "significantly quieter" than other Cherry mechanical switches yet still use the proven and precise MX technology that users love. The explanation of how the noise reduction technology is implemented is rather vague in the press materials sent to HEXUS. On the subject of how the new keyswitches are made to be 'silent' Cherry says that "integrated 2-component tappets," reduce audible clicks "to the acoustic minimum at the top and bottom ends". It says that users won't have to resort to third party products (such as rubber/silicone O-rings perhaps) but can instead benefit from an integrated, proprietary and innovative solution "through which every single switch retains its special characteristics".

OMFG. These new keys by Cherry are about half as loud as their current mainstream keys. But they still have that amazing tactile feedback that gamers and typers love.

http://hexus.net/tech/news/peripherals/85265-cherry-mx-silent-mechanical-keyswitches-launched/

I'll be contributing to Lewd's official news thread next week. Expect to see my tech column there. 😃