Version 7 of Firefox Alpha 3 hits the scene

After a slightly sluggish delay, the latest preview build of Mozilla's next-gen browser is open to the public.

Expectedly, much of the update is technical in nature, adding things like cross-site XMLHttpRequest support. The big graphical change is the addition of backend support for full-page zoom. Also new is an extension for browser history from nine days to 180.

Other notes on the technical side include support for SVG lighting/tile filters and color management, and new XUL menus.

Firefox 3 Alpha 7 was originally planned for a late July release but was pushed back slightly due to development problems. The next alpha is expected to be available on September 18.

AMD increases Opteron clock-speed to 3.2 GHz

AMD has introduced two new Opteron processors with higher clock speeds and has dropped the power consumption of the preceding flagship models with 3.0 GHz.

AMD squeezes more clock speed out of its dual-core architecture as the company is putting the finishing touches on its new Barcelona quad-core processor, which is due for customer shipment during this quarter. The new dual-core top-of the line versions are the 2P 2224SE and the 4P 8224SE models are both clocked with 3.2 GHz and both rated with a thermal design power of 119 watts.

Compared to Intel's dual-core Woodcrest processors, AMD promises a performance advantage between 17 and 37%, depending on the benchmark. AMD did not provide performance comparison numbers to Intel's quad-core Xeon 5300 series, but AMD's pricing model shows confidence of the company in its capabilities: The 2224SE sells for $873 in 1000-unit trays, Intel sells its fastest Xeon X5355 (2.66 GHz) for $744. Intel does not provide pricing on the 3.0 GHz quad-core Xeon, which is still produced in limited quantities.

The 4P Opteron 8224SE is listed for $2149.

Besides the performance increase on the high-end, AMD has introduced mainstream models (i.e. without the "SE" add-on in the model name) of the 1222, 2222 and 8222 CPUs. The 2222 and 8222 are now rated at a thermal design power of 95 watts and the 1222 at 103 watts.

Also, pricing of other Opteron processors has been reduced: The 1200 series is now available from $103 (1210, 1.8 GHz), the 2200 series from $172 (2210HE, 1.8 GHz) and the 8200 series from $523 (8212HE, 2.0 GHz).

EA to pull down servers with older online game titles

Gamers still logging onto older versions of Madden, FIFA, Tiger Woods, and others don't have much more time until EA suspends all online gaming features for dozens of titles.

The massive online service shut down will take place in two phases. On September 1, EA will scrap multiplayer capabilities for all 2006 and previous entries in itss FIFA, Madden NFL, Nascar, NBA Live, NCAA Football, NCAA March Madness, NHL, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour franchises.

Additionally, Arena Football, Fight Night Round 3 (excludes PS2 and next-gen), Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects, MVP 07, and NFL Head Coach will all be cut off from the online world on 9/1.

No PS3 games will be affected by the move, but FIFA Soccer 06, Madden NFL 06, NBA Live 06, and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 are all Xbox 360 titles that will be part of the online cut-off. The rest of the titles only affect the Xbox, PS2, PC, and PSP versions.

A second service cut-off will happen on November 1 for Burnout Revenge (Xbox, PS2), Need For Speed Underground (PS2, PC), and Need For Speed Most Wanted (PSP, Xbox).