Gizmodo: certification

Sony Launches "Designed for Walkman" Branding, World Wonders Why

Kit Eaton — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:16:00 EDT

That little logo there is Sony's attempt to inject a little bit of adrenaline into the Walkman lineup of PMPs, because you all need to know that the accessory you're buying is properly certified to work with Sony's proprietary WM-PORT connector. Yes, you do. Honest. Logitech thinks it's a good idea, anyway, and is due to spring a few things like speaker docks, FM transmitters and sound recorders bearing the compatibility logo in October. And clearly Sony thinks it's a good idea. Whether it shakes up the MP3 player market enough to disturb that other brand with its own "Made for..." scheme is another thing altogether. [AVWatch]

Microsoft Tells Hardware Manufacturers to Start Testing Windows 7 ASAP Or Face Sweat of Ballmer

Jason Chen — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:33:52 EDT

Everyone knows how much of a bunglefart the "Certified for Windows Vista" sticker was in determining whether computers worked OK or completely lousily with Vista. Microsoft doesn't want to repeat this, which is why they're telling hardware manufacturers to start testing their products with Windows 7 as soon as the first beta is out, unless they don't want to qualify for Microsoft's new Windows 7 compatibility sticker. Microsoft's going to check up on them too, making sure companies' current Windows Vista submission "include a complete CPK with test logs from Windows 7." [Information Week]

When's CableCARD 2.0 Getting Here?

Jason Chen — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 13:30:26 EDT

Engadget HD has the story on why CableCARD 2.0—the standard that everyone's waiting for to provide bi-directional high- def cable support like video on demand—isn't here yet. Turns out the standard for bi-directional certification isn't there, and the associations and coalitions of companies can't agree to agree on what's needed for certification.

Come July 1, when the government mandate that says all set-top-boxes need to have CableCARD support goes into effect, cable companies will be rolling out M-Card bi-directional cards that can activate dual-tuner DVRs from just one slot. But still, the problem is on the software side, which means TiVo Series 3s and Vista CableCARD machines won't be doing bi-directional support until a standard is there.

So the actual headline should probably be "There is no CableCARD 2.0...yet." – Jason Chen

There is no CableCARD 2.0 [Engadget HD]

Gizmodo's Official "It Plays Doom Certification" Announced

johnb — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 11:12:39 EDT

Reader Joo has created the first official "It Plays Doom" certification icon for manufacturers of hair dryers, portable vibrators, and MP3 players. We would suggest that OEMs and even resellers begin certifying their products using this new logo and we will expect a certification fee—work out the specifics with Joo—for every device that sports this logo. Click on the image to view a larger version.

Thank you and good night. We're here 'til Thursday.

Related
Doom on the iPod