Top month news:
Windows 7 Build 6936 Screenshots Emerge
WinFuture.de has posted a surprise gallery of the taskbar in Windows 7 build 6936. Several new things can be spotted in this gallery, such as:
- Updated graphics, for both the task area as well as the notification icons
- Aero Peek no longer shows the stream
- New fish
wallpaper
You can also see that the non-Aero UI has a few quirks outside of the taskbar area, but that is to be expected in a pre-beta
build.
Head over to the source to view the booty!
News
Source:
WinFuture.de..
jcxp.net -
15.11.2008Superbar ENABLED In Windows 7 Build 6801
Chris Holmes: Yes, thats right folks. The one and only Rafael Rivera has figured out how to enable the new taskbar in Windows 7 build 6801. The
taskbar was there the whole time, but protected by some rather interesting checks that I find quite entertaining.
View Full Article:
Chris123NT's Blog..
winbeta.org -
03.11.2008Teen commits suicide on live video site
We have all heard of Cyber Bullying where a group of users online would taunt and stalk helpless users until they break down online and even offline
but this is a case where it went a bit too far. 19 Year Old Abraham K.Biggs was broadcasting live on Justin.TV a popular live video site where he was
being cheered on by users of a bodybuilding forum to do outrageous things, the stunt went too far when they saw Abraham take a dose of pills and hours
later noticing no activity and had to call the EMT's and Police to the address. Later, a Broward County Examiner, confirmed the death to
newteevee.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
21.11.2008DirectX End-User Runtime & SDK Available (November 2008)
The Microsoft DirectX® End-User Runtime provides updates to 9.0c and previous versions of DirectX the core Windows® technology that drives
high-speed multimedia and games on the PC.
This DirectX SDK release contains updates to tools, utilities, samples,
documentation, and runtime debug files for x64 and x86 platforms.
For additional information please see
Microsoft DirectX Developer Center along with reviewing the Readme for last-minute
updates.
Download:
DirectX
End-User Runtime Web Installer |
DirectX
SDK..
winbeta.org -
06.11.2008Windows 7 Build 6801 has the Superbar, too
Microsoft deceived every PDC2008 attendee by saying that the build they handed out, build 6801, didn't have the new "superbar" taskbar replacement
that was being shown off throughout the conference.
Well, it turns out that it really
is in the build, you just have to
be properly authenticated in Redmond. Rafael (
withinwindows.com) has decrypted this
mystery and has provided a patch (with instructions) that will enable the superbar on any 6801 install.
Discuss:
Superbar Enabled in 6801 News Source:
Within Windows..
jcxp.net -
03.11.2008Google SketchUp 7 wants to make you an artist
Google announced Monday that it has released
SketchUp 7, the newest free
version of its 3D modeling software, along with its paid version, SketchUp 7 Pro.
Like previous iterations of the software,
SketchUp 7 will still allow you to model just about anything you'd like as long as you start with a pre-designed template. The software offers simple
templates that help you gauge size through feet or meters, but it also includes architectural design, Google Earth, and a product design template to
aide you in your modeling endeavors.
View Full Article:
Webware..
winbeta.org -
17.11.2008Apple releases iTunes 8.0.2 and iPhone 2.2 updates
Apple has released iTunes 8.0.2 and iPhone software 2.2 today. According to Apple, iTunes 8.0.2 improves stability and performance and provides a
number of bug fixes. The new version addresses a quality issue creating MP3s on some computers; fixes a connectivity issue with the iTunes Store when
using some Internet proxies with Mac OS X; and improves accessibility with VoiceOver. Apple also introduced iPhone v2.2 today. The update was
rumoured to be released today and the promised features are present. The new iPhone 2.2 Software update features enhancements to maps and mail
allowing users to now use Google street view.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
21.11.2008Google may offer Chrome detailing on new PCs
We've watched the
rapid evolution of Google's
beta Chrome browser since it first appeared. Chrome, apparently, will not remain in an indefinite period of beta testing for the rest of its life.
Speaking to
The Times, Sundar Pichai, Google vice president, stated that the browser will exit beta in January. Google, meanwhile, is
exploring its distribution options and examining the
various ways it might improve its market share. "We will probably do distribution
deals,” Pinchai told
The Times. "We could work with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and have them
ship computers
with Chrome preinstalled."
View Full Article:
Ars Technica..
winbeta.org -
22.11.2008AMD Phenom II hits 5GHz stable
A sneak peek given to the press by AMD, showcased their upcoming line of processors known as the "Phenom II". The Phenom II are AMD's answer
to Intel's newest chipset, the Core i7. Hoping to compete in the market with the Core i7 the Phenom II line of quad-core processors will be AM2+
compatible. The first two models to be released will have a clock speed that starts at 2.8GHz. However, one of the key bragging areas for AMD's
line of Phenom processors is its overclockability. AMD claims a 30-40% reduction in power consumption under full load thanks to their transition to a
45nm fab process.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
21.11.2008VTP9 Update (9.0.1)
After being released only a couple days ago, VTP9 has received its first update thanks to a lot of user feedback.
Although relatively
unannounced, WindowsX slipped the new version into the original forum post in which VTP's main release was announced.
Read the
changelog via the "More" link below. If you don't have VTP9 installed yet, download 9.0.1 here:
Download:
VTP9
(9.0.1) If you currently have VTP9 installed, download the 9.0.1 patch here:
Download:
9.0.1 Patcher View:
Digg It! News Source:
In-HouseChanges in Version
9.0.1
-Added ViSplore in unsafe applications list (It's first beta version after all)
-Added restricting applications
don't meet the requirements from startup list (But not from installation so you can set it manually still)
-Added restricting to set
unsafe applications in Personalization page (Welcome Center only)
-Fixed Windows XP Service Pack 3 compatibilities (Even non-RTM version
can apply so make sure you use official build 5512)
-Fixed "Do not show this welcome screen after restart" option bug that always keep
program in startup instead
-Updated Vista Rainbar's launcher for constant waiting cursor activity issue
-Updated Vistalize
basic desktop theme components to apply font and toolbar in Personalization
-Updated VisualTooltip default configuration to set area
space in bottom from 30 to 0
-Updated WinFlip's configuration for higher reliability and compatibilities with ViStart..
jcxp.net -
15.11.2008D-Link DIR-655 Firmware 1.21 Hijacks your Internets
Normally when you think of firmware updates for a router you would expect security updates and bug fixes. Would you ever expect the company that makes
the product to try and sell you a subscription for security software using its firmware as a salesperson? I recently ran into this myself when trying
to troubleshoot my router. I noticed when trying to go to Google that my router was hijacking DNS and sent me to a website trying to sell me a
software subscription. After upgrading your D-link DIR-655 router to the latest firmware you'll see that D-link does this, and calls the hijacking
a 'feature.'
News
source:
Slashdot via
Ubersource (Blog) Read full story.....
neowin.net -
08.11.2008More AMD Deneb details leaked to spoil the Core i7 party?
As many of you have already seen Intel Core i7 reviews have hit the web, and most reviews have given the Core i7 the thumbs up. Benchmarks puts the i7
inbetween the
Core 2 Quad Extreme series and
the
SkullTrail Gaming platform. This is an impressive feat for Intel,
giving the customer a good excuse to upgrade their system just before Xmas.
So what’s AMD going to do to fight the Core i7?
This is where Deneb comes in. Deneb is AMD’s 45nm quad core competitor. Deneb is the replacement for the currently underperforming Phenom.
Although AMD managed a great technical feat with the Phenom managing to create a true quad core cpu Intel’s 2xdual core design still beat it on
outright performance.
This month AMD will release its first “Deneb” Phenom CPU’s:
Phenom X4 20550 @ 3.0
Ghz
Phenom 20350 @ 2.8 Ghz
It’s not known yet how well the new cpu’s will perform or their exact specification, but it
is known that they will be compatible with current AM2+ motherboards with a bios update, so unlike the Core i7 a motherboard upgrade will not be
required.
Its also expected that AMD will bring back its “FX” enthusiast line of CPU’s in 2009 using the AM3 socket.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
04.11.2008Vista Transformation Pack 9
An anxious crowd of VTP users hoping to get their hands on the next version of VTP has had their prayers answered today.
VTP9 has
officially been released. Back, and better than ever, VTP9 is sure to be an eye-popper, even for those who have already been using VTP for years.
Some of the new features include:
- New Lightweight "Vista Rainbar" (A sidebar based on the Rainmeter API)
- Improved
versions of the highly acclaimed ViStart and ViOrb pair
- A more stable version of TrueTransparency (for emulating the transparent 'glass' we
all like in Vista
- 'Visplore,' a new file explorer that has a glass toolbar and built-in search
- Much, much more...
Perhaps some of the best improvements are a supposedly completely stable x64 installer, Windows XP SP3 compatibility and complete install
customization right in the installer.
Without further ado, JCXP presents you with Version 9 of Vista Transformation Pack!
Share:
Digg it! Download:
Vista Transformation Pack 9 Discuss:
VTP9 Release Thread..
jcxp.net -
13.11.2008Google launches its SearchWiki semantics plug-in
Today, Google launched its SearchWiki feature, which adds an aspect of personalization and quasi-semantic enhancement...
betanews.com -
22.11.2008Shake up your Windows 7 with Aero Shake
One feature of the
Windows 7 user experience that
wasn't demoed or even talked about last week at PDC 2008 is called "Aero Shake" - the same feature that led Rafael on an epic journey to
unravel the secrets of build 6801
superbar. What Aero Shake does is allows you to shake your application windows furiously, to quickly minimize all other windows, at the same time
experiencing a seizure in your hand.
View Full Article/Video:
Long Zheng's Blog..
winbeta.org -
03.11.2008Four out of five adults agree on TCP/IP
Harris Poll results released this week give an overview of who in the US is online, where they log in, and who's still lagging...
betanews.com -
19.11.2008Blue Badge patch for Windows 7 unlocks additional features
On November 2,
Rafael Rivera, announced that his indications that the Windows 7 Pre-Beta Build 6801 has some locked additional options,
were right. The
locked content is primarily related to the UI that actually is one of the most looked-upon things in Windows 7. By his notices, it is not hard to
conclude that some contents are locked with reason, because they are far away from stable, even for a pre-beta release.
He explained the
type of protection that Win7 PB build 6801 has on his entry, and a way how he got to it. The entry also includes the way to get that content
yourself.
By that scheme, an unlocking tool, called the
Blue Badge
is available for download. This tool should make the already announced steps much easier. Of course, this is still a risky operation, and you take it
on your own risk.
These files are to be patched with Blue Badge. The patch is available only for x86 versions; the x64 is still not released.
If case you already have a superbar patch applied, Blue Badge will NOT work.
Please use caution when installing it on your
system!
Read full
story.....
neowin.net -
11.11.2008Drag race: Windows 7 vs. Vista
Microsoft demonstrated the boot times of Windows Vista vs. the upcoming Windows 7 today at the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference, showing
improvements under the hood of the next Windows version.
Here's a video of what the company showed...
View Video:
Todd Bishop's Microsoft Blog..
winbeta.org -
06.11.2008Let WALL-E be your tour guide to the universe
Microsoft Research and the Disney-owned Pixar are offering you a virtual tour of the universe. Your tour guide? WALL-E, the animated robot from
Pixar's latest film. You'll need the WorldWide Telescope (WWT), a Virtual Earth for the sky and beyond, if you want to download and use the
WALL-E tour. Since WALL-E doesn't have its own voice, Academy-Award-winning director Andrew Stanton narrates the tour. Curtis Wong, manager of
Microsoft's Next Media Research Group, explained why Microsoft went with WALL-E: "WorldWide Telescope is about making science fun for everyone.
By working with Disney/Pixar, we're enabling kids and families to discover the magic of the universe for themselves in an even more engaging way.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
19.11.2008The Pentagon approves a flying car!
Come one, come all to Big Kyle's Discount Auto Sales lot to see the newest in stock PAVs! These babies come fully loaded with room for 4 people!
They have a sleek, shiny, stealthy coat and did I forget to mention? THEY CAN FLY! That's right, folks! No more waiting for a train to pass. Buy
today! Now, many of us can remember sitting down in front of the television and watching The Jetsons. And we all remember the 'Aerocar' that
George Jetson drove to his tedious job every day. And now over 46 years after the original release of the Jetsons, The Pentagon has now approved their
"Personal Air Vehicle" (PAV) for military purposes.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
16.11.2008Belkin says 'Switch to Mac'
Today, Belkin announced what would have otherwise been an unremarkable piece of cabling had it not been given a name that sounds like a piece of
advice...
betanews.com -
13.11.2008YouTube to battle Hulu
YouTube, which has gained popularity by allowing users to share their short video creations,
has garnered a user base of roughly eighty-million.
Hulu, another on-line video service has only
a fraction of the users which YouTube boasts, yet was able to generate more revenue than its competitor in the previous year. Why is this so? One
reason, feature films.
Hulu, a joint venture by NBC Studios and News Corp, has one major difference from YouTube. Where YouTubers have
access to a large repository of user-uploaded and created content, Hulus possess access to full length television shows. It would seem that
advertisers are far more comfortable with television shows and feature length movies than they are with peer created home movie-esque films.
Google, the company which owns YouTube, has stated publicly that YouTube as a revenue generating model in its current form is not as efficient as
some competitors. It seemed that it was only a matter of time before the Internet behemoth made the move towards full length features.
Canadian film company,
Lionsgate, has agreed to give YouTubers access to short excerpts
from films. However, Google remains in talks to attempt to acquire ad-supported full length features for its users.
Hulu may have the upper
hand at the current moment, but if YouTube is able to acquire such content and present it to what is a far larger audience than that of Hulu, Google
may see revenues soar and users rejoice.
The most optimistic of claims suggest that such programming may be available on YouTube within the
next couple of months.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
09.11.2008Hurd's the word in Ballmer's e-mail nightmares
A letter from HP CEO Mark Hurd to Steve Ballmer after the release of Vista gives observers a sense of how miserable life became thereafter at HP --
plus that delicious feeling of snooping into someone else's cranky e-mail...
betanews.com -
23.11.2008Analyst: Blu-ray prices will nosedive for the holidays
Blu-ray vendors will be forced to drop their prices so as to compete with standard DVD, unless they adopt differentiators such as Netflix movie
downloads, new research suggests...
betanews.com -
08.11.2008T-Mobile to sell picture frames with their own phone numbers
On November 19, nationwide wireless carrier T-Mobile USA will get into the picture frame business. Specifically, the carrier will be offering a
digital picture frame, dubbed the T-Mobile Cameo, that comes with its own phone number...
betanews.com -
14.11.2008Oh yes, the Superbar is available in Windows 7 Build 6801
Wishing that the new "Superbar" was available for the PDC build of Windows 7? What about for your trusty copy of Vista? Well it isn't
available for Vista yet (I am sure someone will whip up someway of porting it over) but it is available to all users who have a copy of Windows 7
Build 6801.
Rafael, the well known Ux theme patcher, from
withinwindows.com, has uncovered how to bring this breakthrough feature available to anyone who is lucky enough to have Windows
7 build 6801. It does take some changing to the OS to enable this hidden feature but it is well worth it.
Windows 7's "Superbar" was
demonstrated heavily at Microsoft's PDC. For more information and full demonstrations checkout our
PDC section.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
03.11.2008Google Launches SearchWiki
Tired of getting Google search results that are offensive, useless, or not relevant to your interests? You can end that today by using Google's new
"SearchWiki" service.
When you are logged into your Google account, three buttons are displayed beside each search result: a
"promote" and "remove" link, as well as a "comment" button.
Promoting results makes them more likely to appear near the top of the
results in other relevant searches, and likewise, prevents other results from appearing.
Using the comments allows you to write notes and
attach them to particular sites.
These changes are stored on your Google account, thus preventing it from affecting other users: the
changes you make to your Wiki are yours.
Although search placement is specific to your account, over-all rankings are provided after you
rank a site. This is a great way to convey whether or not information on a specific site is useful, and how many people like/dislike the site.
Google's SearchWiki has a lot of potential, and is something unique. Many people are bound to like it. Another great job, Google.
View:
Google's Blog Post News Source:
In-House..
jcxp.net -
22.11.2008Google admits that its iPhone voice search breaks Apple's rules
A Google spokesperson confirmed to BetaNews today that the company's new voice search for iPhone violates the terms of Apple's SDK. But questions
still linger around why the updated Google Mobile app still appears on Apple's App Store...
betanews.com -
27.11.2008Top execs cast blame in Vista Capable 'mess'
New e-mails unsealed in a lawsuit Friday show that a Hewlett Packard executive was outraged at a Microsoft decision to loosen the requirements
necessary for a PC to be labeled 'Vista Capable.'
The HP executive's concerns then triggered an angry internal exchange of
e-mails between senior Microsoft executives, including CEO Steve Ballmer.
View
Full Article:
Seattle PI's Microsoft
Blog..
winbeta.org -
15.11.2008Microsoft Surface vs. CNN's Magic Wall
John McCain and Barack Obama haven't been discussing tech issues much, but this election season has showcased technology in a different way.
Multi-touch, big-screen interfaces are all the rage among the cable news networks -- most notably CNN and its "Magic Wall," which even
earned its own
Saturday Night Live
spoof. More recently, NBC got into the act by bringing in a Microsoft Surface tabletop computer, putting a high-tech sheen on its political
coverage.
The concepts are similar, the implementations very different.
View Full Article:
Todd Bishop's Microsoft Blog..
winbeta.org -
03.11.2008Six reasons OSX will not go mainstream
Apple has a great consumer OS on its hands. Its sleek, it's easy to use and it will not ever make it to mainstream America. There are 6 reasons
why we will never see Apple take more than a third of the market share. For the sake of this article, mainstream will be referred to as greater than
33% of all computers.
Reason #6: The corporate world won't adopt OSX. Look around your office, more than likely you're looking
at a Windows based environment. While it's true that not all companies run Windows, it is safe to say that the majority do in some form. Why
wont corporations switch? Its simple, companies invest millions of dollars to keep up a Windows based infrastructure. The only thing costlier than
maintaining thousands of computers is to replace them all, all with OSX.
If we can't convert our companies to OSX then we stand little
chance in convincing institutions of higher education to do the same. The idea is based on a waterfall principle that we need a major change on one
front to affect the rest. The problem is that the world revolves around money and it costs money to replace current infrastructures with OSX. While
corporations are not the only user of computers they have a massive trickle down effect. The average person can pick up and use a Windows computer
without a problem no matter what version they use; it's a 'comfortable' operating system. The same can not be said about OSX, while it
may be easy to use, not nearly as many people have used OSX as compared to Windows. If our corporations use Windows our schools will teach upon it,
how many people have taken a Windows based course before?
Reason #5: Software. Let's take a simple look at the available software
titles out there for each platform. Regardless of the topic Windows based programs dwarf the OSX competition with ease. If your looking for a
program to do a certain task you will, without a doubt, have more options on Windows PC. If you're a hardcore gamer there is no option but to
have a copy of Windows at your disposal if you care to keep up on the most current titles.
If you're into business software the
options for OSX are dismal at best. While it's unfortunate that Microsoft commands so much power but the latest versions of Microsoft Office
always come out on Windows before OSX. While not a deal breaker for the home user it can be for reason #5.
Reason #4: Apples Image.
Apple has built the image that it is modern and un-Microsoft. While this is working out great for Apple in the short term it also limits its user
base. Take a look at any OSX vs Vista advertisement. It's always the cool kid making fun of the suit Vista. While this is great for the college
student looking to get a computer it doesn't work so well with mom and dad who very well may see themselves as a 'suit' in that picture.
Look around your dinner table and more than likely your father or mother is a suit at work. Professionalism is key to many adults and Apple has
steered itself away from be the professional option. Good for poor college kids not so good for the hard working suit.
Reason #3: OSX is
a closed platform. Want to build a custom computer with OSX; don't even try (legally). Apple has limited the configurations that OSX can be
implemented on. This works well for Apple's business model but anyone who wants to construct a custom built computer is not able to use OSX
(legally). If you're trying to build the ultimate computer with bleeding edge technology for your need, OSX is not an option. Lock the platform
and you lock out consumers.
Reason #2: The Apple Tax. To get a computer running OSX you must buy a computer from Apple. Apple computers
have a higher cost than a traditional PC from Dell or HP. Also it has to be mentioned that there is no low-cost option. The cheapest option is the
Mac-mini which starts at $599.99. For someone looking to buy a budget PC, Apple is not an option.
Reason #1: Steve Jobs. To become
a major competitor you must remain strong for the foreseeable future. Many people don't like to buy into a product that doesn't have a long
life ahead of it. Regardless of how well OSX runs, how cool it looks, it can all be attributed back to Steve Jobs; he is the master of sales and
marketing. Much of Apple's recent success can be attributed to his skills. Steve Jobs will not live nor want to work forever. When Steve passes
the buck to the next person in line will his horde of followers accept this?
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
13.11.2008Microsoft Store - We finally have one!
Engadget reported earlier today, that an online Microsoft Store that should have been around a long time ago, is finally here.
On the
software side, they sell all versions of Windows Vista (Server 2008 as well), Office 2007, Office 2008 (Mac) both box and download versions. They also
have smaller suites like Microsoft Works 9, Autocollage 2008, and OneCare available.
For developers and designers, they have Visual
Studio, Expression Blend, Visual FoxPro 9.0, and many more.
Gaming hasn't been left out either - they sell three versions of their XBOX
360 console, as well as some PC Games
- Flight Simulator X (4 versions)
- Halo 2 (Vista)
- Gears of War
- Zoo Tycoon 2
- Quite a few more titles
And no, Microsoft's store doesn't stop there - they have Zunes and Zune Accessories galore! 4 colors
of 8GB Zunes, and accessories such as a leather case, an AC adapter, and a "Zune Car Pack" for your enjoyment.
They have all their
latest mice and keyboards available for purchase as well as fingerprint readers and their webcams.
So whether you're a gamer, need a
webcam to stream yourself across the web, or you simply need to design a WPF application, Microsoft's here for you 24/7.
Enjoy!
News Source:
Engadget via ZDNet..
jcxp.net -
14.11.2008Microsoft touts 25 percent eBay Cashback rebate
Microsoft is getting more aggressive with Live Search Cashback, a program that offers price cuts for those who buy products found with the company's
search engine, touting a 25 percent rebate for items purchased through eBay.
eBay has long been a Cashback partner, but the
company went to the trouble of promoting the deal on its Live Search blog Thursday. Kok Waii Wong, Microsoft's group product manager for Live Search,
announced the
25 percent eBay
rebate on the blog. There are some conditions, though, including a $200 cashback limit and payment through PayPal only. It's offered only in the
United States.
View Full Article:
CNET News..
winbeta.org -
08.11.2008Get set for unusual earphone alternatives at CES
Do your earphones ever fall out of your ears? Is your headset too heavy on your head? Vendors will show some intriguing new options at CES 2009,
ranging from Acoustibuds adapters to a NxSET "neckband."..
betanews.com -
15.11.2008Windows 7 leaks to Web, pirates downloading
Leaked copies of Windows 7 hit the Internet only hours after Microsoft Corp. handed out a preview build to developers last week, according to searches
at several BitTorrent-tracking sites. The notorious Pirate Bay site, for example, first noted the 32-bit version of the upcoming operating system on
Oct. 29, just one day after Microsoft unveiled Windows 7 to attendees at its Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles. A 64-bit edition was
posted the following day.
As of midday Sunday, with several copies of Windows 7 available, downloading was brisk. One 32-bit torrent listed
on Pirate Bay showed more than 1,400 "seeders," the term for a computer that has a complete copy of the torrent file, and close to 5,300
"leechers," or computers that have downloaded only part of the complete torrent. The 32-bit torrent installs a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate, according
to users commenting on the site.
Read
full story.....
neowin.net -
03.11.2008Teacher must still surrender license in bizarre 'exposure to porn' suit
A week after the close of the four-year case of Julie Amero, the Connecticut substitute teacher accused exposing middle-students to online smut,
Sunbelt Software CEO Alex Eckelberry doesn't see any real win in the settlement...
betanews.com -
29.11.2008Kernel vulnerability found in Windows Vista
A flaw has been found in Windows Vista that could allow rootkits to be hidden or denial-of-service attacks to be executed on computers using the
operating system.
The vulnerability was found by Thomas Unterleitner of Austrian security company Phion, and announced on Friday.
Unterleitner told ZDNet UK on Friday that Phion told Microsoft about the flaw in October, but he understood that a fix would only be issued in the
next Vista service pack.
View Full Article:
ZDNet.co.uk..
winbeta.org -
23.11.2008Windows Server 2008 R2 and Remote Desktop Services (RDS), A New Name for Terminal Services
In Windows Server 2008 R2,
Terminal Services is renamed to Remote Desktop Services (RDS). RDS
introduces the new Remote Desktop Connection Broker “ an expansion of the
Session Broker in Windows Server 2008 “ which provides the
administrator with a unified experience for setting up user access to both
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and traditional session-based
remote desktops. Together with
Hyper-V and
System Center Virtual Machine
Manager, the Remote Desktop Connection Broker enables a VDI solution. The Remote Desktop Connection Broker it complements shared RDS
infrastructure components in Windows Server 2008, such as
Remote Desktop Web Access or Remote Desktop Gateway. Windows Server 2008 R2
also introduces a series of platform enhancements for remote desktop users “ such as support for multiple physical monitors, redirection of multimedia
and 3D content, including Vista Aero, and enhanced, bi-directional audio support. To follow the development of RDS, this
Team Blog is good place to start.
View Full Article:
TechNet Blogs..
winbeta.org -
04.11.2008Google violates iPhone API guidelines
Google has recently released a new version of it's Google Mobile application for the iPhone. This is the first time Google has made voice search
available on a mobile device (Google Android users were not the first). In order to initiate a search, the iPhone is placed by your ear, as if making
a call. The iPhone's proximity sensor detects this and the voice search initiates. While seemingly harmless, Apple has prohibited developers from
using the iPhone's proximity sensor, and therefore never released an API for it. Google has, in effect, violated the App Store guidelines.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
27.11.2008Update Release of Windows Server 2008 Offers Additional Opportunities for IT Pros and Hardware Vendors
Q&A: Bill Laing, corporate vice president of Windows Server and Solutions, says coming improvements in the Windows Server operating system will offer
greater opportunities for customers and partners in areas such as virtualization and scalability...
microsoft.com/presspass -
06.11.2008SQL Server 2008: Turbocharging the Database
SQL Server users gather at the PASS Community Summit 2008 in Seattle this week to learn more about SQL Server 2008s solutions to real-world data
management challenges...
microsoft.com/presspass -
20.11.2008Review: SanDisk 8GB Micro SDHC + MobileMate Micro Reader
Technology is moving at an alarming pace, allowing you to pack more in to a smaller place. Today I will present a continuation in this process: an 8GB
Micro SDHC and the accompanying micro reader. The focus of course being on size and density.
The relatively new format, Micro SD, was
introduced by
SanDisk Corporation as a replacement for Transflash in 2005 and, along with Transflash, remains the smallest memory card form factor with dimensions
15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm. Starting with petite 512MB versions three years ago, SanDisk has recently
released micro drives capable of storing
16GB. The unit being reviewed is only 8GB, however.
I do not intend to mislead anyone here. Compared to a standard thumb drive, the only
advantage of a micro SD card is the size. The main reason for this type of memory card existing is to fit large memory capacities in to small devices.
Though, this review will go in depth in to the other benefits of having such a small memory card.
To start with, I loaded the card
in to my phone to check the actual memory given. 7782.0MB was reported by my Windows Mobile device. This appears generous as using 1 kB = 1000 Bytes,
the method hard drive manufacturers usually use, should report as 7450.6MB.
Quickly, on to speed now. This device is Class 4 but this card
also comes in Class 2 and Class 6 versions. The class rating, as defined by the SD Association, specifies that the minimum sustained write speed of
the memory card must be 4MB/s. This is in league with larger SD cards that also follow the same minimum speeds proving size doesn't affect
speed.
Now, to shock you all.
That's how small these cards are. Forget thumb drives. This is a thumbnail drive.
As you can see by looking at
the back of the card, the actual memory crams in to about one-third of the space with the connector taking up another third. This begs the question as
to whether it may be possible to create an even smaller form factor soon. Of course the major problem with new form factors is gaining acceptance. As
micro SDHC is used in most phones and some digital cameras too, it is not going away any time soon.
I must also mention that
I have small hands! In saying this, a better comparison for this card would be to an ordinary thumb drive.
In the above
image is a 1GB Imation Nano drive. The capacity is not that outstanding, sure. The reason I used this device was due to its size though. It fits in my
wallet! Not all computers have bluetooth and if I want to save to my camera or phone I need a data cable. So, I would cart this thumb drive in my
wallet everywhere I went so that I could save university documents and other important files when the need arose.
Well, that was until I
received this micro SDHC card. I have had SD and micro SD cards before though. Unfortunately, not all computers have SD slots or even micro SD slots,
let alone micro SDHC slots. So what is different about this one? The MobileMate Micro card reader that comes with it allows you to use the card on any
computer hosting a USB port while maintaining the small form factor. How small?
Atleast half
the size of my Imation Nano. For me this was a very good reason to ditch the Imation drive and remove the clutter from my already bulky wallet. The
MobileMate now rides as wingman in my front right pocket.
Finally in the comparison, I decided to test the 'stick out' factor of both USB
drives. That is, when they are plugged in, how much of the drive is left hanging. As you can see above, the MobileMate micro reader is significantly
smaller. This is an important factor when you consider netbooks. People don't want a thumb sticking out the side of their netbook, not just
because it looks unsightly but also due to the off chance it could snap off.
The best feature of the MobileMate is that the cards are
pluggable so you could have it resting in your wallet while your micro SDHC card is in your phone. If you come to a computer that has a micro SDHC
card slot, then you won't need to use it but it is there when you do.
The package was supplied by
Crazy Shopping Australia. On their website, a SanDisk Micro SDHC 8GB Card currently sells
for AU$33.95 (US$22.70). It is an additional AU$6.60 for the MobileMate Micro reader. While the card may be quite old now, the news is
that such high density memory is now affordable. At this price point it directly competes with the larger thumb drives. Anybody could run down to
their local store and get one of these today.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
13.11.2008Google Sorts 1 Petabyte In 6 Hours
Google has announced that they were able to
sort one petabyte of
data in 6 hours and 2 minutes across 4,000 computers. According to the Google Blog, '... to put this amount in perspective, it is 12 times the
amount of archived web data in the US Library of Congress as of May 2008. In comparison, consider that the aggregate size of data processed by all
instances of MapReduce at Google was on average 20PB per day in January 2008.'
View Full Article:
Slashdot..
winbeta.org -
23.11.2008Nationwide 4G WiMAX gets the green light
WiMAX users in the US will be getting their 4G wireless services not from Sprint -- and not from the "old" Clearwire -- but from a combined
entity known as "New Clearwire."..
betanews.com -
06.11.2008Microsoft exec: No job cuts here
Not everyone is slashing jobs in these grim economic times. Microsoft Corp. has no plans to cut back on research spending and plans to add workers in
the coming year, senior executive Craig Mundie said Friday.
"Right now we're still on a plan to complete 100 percent of our
college recruitment plan globally," he told The Associated Press. "The ability to get top talent has actually improved" as the world enters what
could be a punishing recession.
View Full Article:
BusinessWeek..
winbeta.org -
22.11.2008Norway and Apple remain disharmonious over iPod
Norway continues its dispute with Apple on iTunes' incompatibility with competition. Because iTunes does not adhere to Norwegian interoperability
guidelines, technically, Apple is engaged in illegal trade there...
betanews.com -
08.11.2008SIRIUS XM - Channel Lineups Now Mostly Merged
SIRIUS XM, the near fully merged satellite radio company, has announced a combined channel lineup. Thursday morning, SIRIUS XM announced a combined
lineup where XM subscribers had some of the most popular SIRIUS channels, and SIRIUS subscribers now have XM channels, all included in the base
subscriber package. This is different than the offer SIRIUS and XM offered subscribers a few months ago, the "Best Of" packages, which included a
handful of popular channels from the once competing alternative for a few more dollars per month. SIRIUS subscribers have a base channel lineup of
around 137 channels, and XM subscribers have near 242 (note that XM has several more generic sport channels which help make the difference).
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
16.11.2008Microsoft working on App-store like software distribution
Steve Ballmer, at the recently held developers conference at Sydney, Australia, said that Microsoft is working on a App-store like software
distribution. Apple's iPhone and App-store have really stirred the Windows Mobile Market. Though there are many 'app-store like'
distributions, for example -
Handango, they are not
something that is offered directly from Microsoft. But at the same time Ballmer also mentioned there are no plans to mimic iPhone's App-store.
During the question-and-answer portion of his time on stage at an event the company billed as "
Liberation Day" for Australian developers, Ballmer
said that Microsoft will soon launch a service that will let programmers sell their wares directly to consumers.
"I actually will agree
that there's some good work, particularly at
Facebook. and also with the iPhone, where both of those companies have made it easier for developers to distribute their
applications," Ballmer said when asked whether Microsoft would provide a way for developers to create software and distribute it directly to
users.
"
made it easier to kind of get exposure for your applications," Ballmer continued. "There's not much money
being made, but the general concept of giving developers a way not only to get their code distributed, but to really get visibility for the code, is a
good idea."
Microsoft does have WindowsMarketPlace, where developers
can distribute their Software to PC users. At the worst, Microsoft can plug-in a Mobile category and throw in a mobile client to access and install
apps directly to your mobile.
Read full story.....
neowin.net - 09.11.2008
You Dream It. Asus Builds It. Intel Inside.
Have you ever had an inspirational idea about the future of laptops? That stroke of genius that could change the face of how we use our laptops
forever? Or maybe you just want to see something completely out of the ordinary and funny.
Asus and Intel have now setup a new site to
allow you to collaborate your ideas, with the view of creating a new laptop influenced by the best ideas. Asus is evaluating all feedback left in the
community!
So get dreaming up those laptop ideas - I'm not sure that they'll take my idea of adding a nice Neowin jingle to every
laptop when you open the lid, but who knows!
View: WEPC Website
Read full story.....
neowin.net - 03.11.2008
Developers making plans for Windows Azure, Windows 7
PDC2008 attendees fired up over potential shown by new Microsoft platforms for ścloudť computing...
microsoft.com/presspass - 17.11.2008
