GDC 2020 was one of the initial events that started getting postponed in late February due to Covid-19 pandemic attack. Within a week, Sony, Facebook, EA, Kojima Productions, Unity, Microsoft, Epic Games (and Unreal Engine), Amazon, and Activision/Blizzard backed out. GDC had to postpone their conference after getting almost to the wire. It was a heartbreaking turn of events … [Read more...] about Registration opens for the free virtual GDC Showcase event
Latest Siemens NX software offers enhanced Model Based Definition
Siemens’ latest version of its flagship design software, NX, now offers a rules and knowledge-based approach to Model Based Definition (MBD). It includes automated rules-based authoring of Product & Manufacturing Information (PMI) with an emphasis on capturing key characteristics and knowledge. An adviser monitors and validates the PMI added and makes sure that downstream … [Read more...] about Latest Siemens NX software offers enhanced Model Based Definition
Inside the new SPECviewperf 2020 benchmark for measuring professional graphics performance
By Bob Cramblitt The SPEC Graphics Performance Characterization Group (SPECgpc) has released an all-new version of its SPECviewperf benchmark that features updated viewsets, new models, support for both 2K and 4K display resolutions, and improved set-up and results management. This article outlines the major components of the new benchmark. New features SPECviewperf … [Read more...] about Inside the new SPECviewperf 2020 benchmark for measuring professional graphics performance
SPECapc for Solidworks 2020 benchmark adds new GUI; CPU and 2D drafting tests
By Bob Cramblitt SPEC’s Application Performance Characterization (SPECapc) project group has released new performance evaluation software for workstations running Solidworks 2020. Major new features in the new SPECapc for Solidworks 2020 benchmark include: Testing under the new Solidworks 2020 enhanced graphics interface. Two new CPU tests for file conversion … [Read more...] about SPECapc for Solidworks 2020 benchmark adds new GUI; CPU and 2D drafting tests
Microsoft brings out new AI powered tool for detecting deepfake media
By Jaydeep Bhattacharjee On September 1, 2020, Microsoft launched a new AI-powered tool targeted at spotting deepfakes for analyzing videos and still photos with the help of a manipulation score which is generated by the tool. Named as Video Authenticator, it generates “a percentage chance, or confidence score,” which, says Microsoft, indicates if the media or photograph has … [Read more...] about Microsoft brings out new AI powered tool for detecting deepfake media
Skin deep won’t cut it: graphics benchmarks require real-world working models
Some of the best-looking models, such as those you see spinning at warp speed in hardware demos, may not tax the system realistically enough for benchmarks. by Bob Cramblitt Models, models, everywhere, but few suitable for a good benchmark. That statement pretty much sums up the conundrum faced by the SPEC Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG), the … [Read more...] about Skin deep won’t cut it: graphics benchmarks require real-world working models
Lies, damned lies, and benchmarks: What makes a good performance metric
By Bob Cramblitt There’s a statement popularized by Mark Twain that describes the often-deceptive power of numbers: “There are three types of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Among people concerned with computer performance, the saying rears its head in a slightly altered form: “There are lies, damned lies, and benchmarks.” Like most wide-sweeping statements, … [Read more...] about Lies, damned lies, and benchmarks: What makes a good performance metric
25+ years of the SPECviewperf graphics benchmark
By Bob Cramblitt More than 25 years ago, the SPEC Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG) developed the Viewperf benchmark and published its first reported results. Viewperf (now SPECviewperf) was unique among synthetic benchmarks for its use of real-world datasets (called viewsets), tests and weighting developed in cooperation with independent software … [Read more...] about 25+ years of the SPECviewperf graphics benchmark
Cutting through the hype: cloud-based media creation
Foundry learns important lessons about working and collaborating in the cloud. by Mathieu Mazerolle, Senior Product Manager, Foundry The cloud technology continues to promise huge potential for the VFX industry as we move into a new age of tech advancement. Remote collaboration, unbridled flexibility, global opportunities for burgeoning talent...the list of benefits … [Read more...] about Cutting through the hype: cloud-based media creation
AMD expands their senior leadership to maintain their growth
By Jaydeep Bhattacharjee AMD is really hopeful that the executive team will maintain AMD’s gains and build on them in the future. Last week, AMD announced the expansion of its senior leadership team through several promotions and a new face to enable the company’s future growth. The company is at the top of its game and that can be a dangerous place to be. The company has … [Read more...] about AMD expands their senior leadership to maintain their growth