Intel to Use eMLC in Next-Gen Enterprise SSDs

The next-gen of Intel SSDs using 25nm flash are coming later this year.

Intel recently announced that its 25nm NAND flash chips are now shipping in volume to customers. This also means that we can soon expect a refresh of the Intel SSD's that are currently based off of 34nm Postville parts later this year.

Intel's next generation 25nm SSD parts for enterprises will use a new type of enterprise multi-level cell (eMLC) flash memory, which are expected to be even more resilient than other existing technologies, according to a roadmap seen by X-bit Labs.

Those looking to beef up their home gaming rigs will probably be more interested in the SSDs targeted towards enthusiasts. The next round of Intel X25-M will come in 600GB, 300GB, 160GB and 80GB capacities. This will mean roomier drives for those with the resources to purchase one, while the 80GB and 160GB models hopefully will be more affordable to those looking for a speedy OS drive.

For reference, the 34nm-based 80GB and 160GB models can be had for around $200 and $400, respectively.

Broadband Users in Pakistan Tops 0.81 Million

Broadband users in Pakistan have reached 816,807 mark, as of April 2010, as per recently published stats by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

PTA stats said that Internet Service Providers of Pakistan added a total of 44,370 broadband subscribers in April 2010 compared to addition of 55,932 broadband subscribers in March 2010.

These statistics suggests that DSL still has 55 percent market share of total broadband market in Pakistan (in terms of subscribers), while WiMAX stands second with 30 percent subscribers’ market share.

EVO witnessed highest growth rate in last two quarters and has added its market share in terms of subscribers by 3 percent, while WiMAX subscribers’ market share grew by 2 percent.

On other hands, DSL users decreased by 3 percent and HFC saw a decline of 2 percent in market share in last 7 months.

Following graphs will further reveal the picture of broadband market of Pakistan:

Pakistan Registers 98 Million Mobile Phone Users

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced that Pakistan has a total of 98 million mobile phone users as of May 2010.

In its latest stats for mobile subscribers, PTA said that mobile companies added a total of 697,073 cellular users in May 2010 with 0.72 percent growth rate, as compared to 0.55 percent growth rate in April 2010.

All cellular companies showed positive growth except Zong, which witnessed negative growth for second consecutive month.

Microsoft Does Want Core Games, FPS for Kinect

Looks like Microsoft is aiming towards the casual gamers first.

Last week during Microsoft's E3 2010 press conference, the company showed what Xbox 360 gamers could look forward to with the upcoming Kinect motion-sensing device. Demos showed players jumping around, waving limbs, and even one player interacted with a virtual pet. Although the technology was impressive, the games for the most part seemed only geared for a general audience. It was as if Microsoft was trying to tell Nintendo "haha we can do the same thing you can do but without the pesky controller."

So while Kinect does look like a fun gadget for the entire family, what about the core gamers? Where were the kick-ass titles (outside the awesome unnamed Star Wars game) that will make them jump off the couch and spend $150? Microsoft doesn't plan to alienate those gamers--the company is just expanding. That aspect should have been obvious when Avatars arrived with the NXE update.