Gizmodo
Microsoft Goes Big Brother on Low-Cost PC Makers Using XP
According to confidential documents obtained by IDG News, Microsoft plans to issue a list of Posts Tagged “
Windows
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ulpcs
According to confidential documents obtained by IDG News, Microsoft plans to issue a list of demands incentive-backed requests to ultra low-cost PC (ULPC) makers interested in Windows XP, such as Asus and OLPC, asking that their screens are smaller than 10.2 inches, hard drives are under 80 GB and touchscreens are not used. In addition, they want these computers to have less than 1 GB RAM and a processor under 1 GHz (except for the Intel Atom). In exchange for manufacturers' cooperation, Microsoft will offer them WIndows XP Home for a price between $26-$32, contingent on the region it's sold in.
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According to confidential documents obtained by IDG News, Microsoft plans to issue a list of 
blackberry
Hotmail Comes to BlackBerry
In addition to the big Bold BlackBerry news at RIM's Wireless Enterprise Symposium, the company announced it would finally support Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger, says Crave. This includes push, realtime synch and full HTML support, plus an "almost PC-like" Messenger experience, with file transfers, custom status messages and cartoon emoticons. Like the Bold itself, this service is due in the vague "this summer" timeframe. Ironically, this might actually be more than what Microsoft itself is doing for poor old Hotmail. [Crave]
watching netflix on xbox 360
By installing the vmcNetflix plug-in to a Vista Premium Media Center computer, you can watch streamed Netflix content on an Xbox 360. It's buggy, but it's a lot better than watching Netflix on a laptop screen. (Providing you have Netflix, an Xbox 360 and a Vista Media Center.) Maybe Netflix should open up streaming to lots of devices, not just windows PCs as of today. I know Mac support is coming, but combining wide support for their online services with disc delivery, it could be a pretty sweet hybrid of the old and new. Video demo post jump. [vmcNetflix via Hacking Netflix and Thomas Hawk, thanks Mike]
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Watch Netflix Downloads On Your Xbox 360
By installing the vmcNetflix plug-in to a Vista Premium Media Center computer, you can watch streamed Netflix content on an Xbox 360. It's buggy, but it's a lot better than watching Netflix on a laptop screen. (Providing you have Netflix, an Xbox 360 and a Vista Media Center.) Maybe Netflix should open up streaming to lots of devices, not just windows PCs as of today. I know Mac support is coming, but combining wide support for their online services with disc delivery, it could be a pretty sweet hybrid of the old and new. Video demo post jump. [vmcNetflix via Hacking Netflix and Thomas Hawk, thanks Mike]
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bbc iplayer
Vista Media Center Supporting BBC iPlayer (Unofficially)
For those living in the UK, the BBC iPlayer is a pretty fantastic VOD service with one drawback: you have to watch shows in-browser. Now one philanthropist coder has written a Vista Media Center interface for the iPlayer. So you can view BBC content on your TV without the PS3 and Wii workarounds, or, at the very least, break free of your browser's annoying viewing restrictions. It's a free download, so all you Doctor Who fanatics should have plenty of cash left over for living-room-destroying merchandise. [Milliesoft via eHomeUpgrade]
software
Updates for Vista, XP Cleared by Microsoft After Delays
It looks like Microsoft has sorted out the issues that came up with its new Service Pack for Windows XP as well as Vista SP1. XP SP3 has been sent out to Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center and Microsoft has also resumed automatic distribution of Vista SP1. Try to remain calm; I know it's exciting. [Microsoft]
safari
Whether you took Mozzy's stance that Apple quietly slipping Safari into its Software Update for Windows users "bordered on malware" or just didn't give a shit, looks like you'll have to admit it worked like gangbusters: Net Applications reports that it tripled Safari's marketshare in only a month.
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Stealth Safari Update for Windows Was Super Effective, Tripled Marketshare
Whether you took Mozzy's stance that Apple quietly slipping Safari into its Software Update for Windows users "bordered on malware" or just didn't give a shit, looks like you'll have to admit it worked like gangbusters: Net Applications reports that it tripled Safari's marketshare in only a month.
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windows 7
Windows 7 and Windows Live to Have Even More Forced Integration
In a move that's sure to make the EU giddy at the possibility of levying more fines, Microsoft's been circulating some internal memos brainstorming ways to better connect the next version of Windows with the next version of Windows Live. The author dreams of a system where each user can log into their Live accounts (usually your @hotmail.com address) and be automatically connected as you're setting up your computer for the first time. More »
windows xp
Windows XP SP3 Officially Delayed
It's April 29, and Microsoft has to make the unfortunate decision of delaying Windows XP SP3 due to compatibility issues between it and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System, something none of you should be familiar with unless you work in retail. If you don't, the service pack has been unofficially available for a couple days now and you can go ahead and install it, but the final final version won't be ready for a little bit. [PCMag]
shenanigans
While we've heard Microsoft hint at keeping XP on store shelves longer than they initially stated due to the, well, boatload of people who want nothing to do with Vista, Dell is the first retailer to confirm having plans to sell the faithful ol' OS past the end of June. But it isn't because Microsoft's gone and changed their policy; it's because Dell is taking advantage of a loophole in Vista licensing that lets Microsoft pad their Vista numbers even when people avoid it like the plague.
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Dell to Sell XP after June 30, Microsoft to Pretend They're Selling Vista to Save Face
While we've heard Microsoft hint at keeping XP on store shelves longer than they initially stated due to the, well, boatload of people who want nothing to do with Vista, Dell is the first retailer to confirm having plans to sell the faithful ol' OS past the end of June. But it isn't because Microsoft's gone and changed their policy; it's because Dell is taking advantage of a loophole in Vista licensing that lets Microsoft pad their Vista numbers even when people avoid it like the plague.
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microsoft
Windows Sales Way Down, Microsoft Makes Less Money (Vs. Last Year)
Here are the meaty bits in the cold platter of numbers that is Microsoft's quarterly earnings report. Windows sales are way down (the client division, which makes Windows, saw sales drop by 24 percent vs. last year). Office is doing alright, but they're losing their ass on online services. The entertainment division (Zune and Xbox) is balling, with revenue up 68 percent, making Xbox and Zune profitable for almost a year now. But bottom line, Microsoft's income was down 11 percent from last year. [Microsoft, WSJ via Valleywag]
gadgets
In 2005, a control room for the A and C subway lines in NYC caught fire. "No larger than a kitchen," the room held 600 relays, switches and circuits that keep track of trains and keep everything running. Officials originally thought it would take three to five years to get the lines back to normal capacity. (Thankfully it didn't.) The epic repair time was because the fixed-block signaling system dates back to 1904 and only two companies in the world were able to repair it, one in Pittsburgh and the other in Paris. This is technology's trailing edge, according to Peter Sandborn in IEEE Spectrum: the huge, crippling problem of obsolescence.
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The Massive, Expensive Problem of Obsolete Tech
In 2005, a control room for the A and C subway lines in NYC caught fire. "No larger than a kitchen," the room held 600 relays, switches and circuits that keep track of trains and keep everything running. Officials originally thought it would take three to five years to get the lines back to normal capacity. (Thankfully it didn't.) The epic repair time was because the fixed-block signaling system dates back to 1904 and only two companies in the world were able to repair it, one in Pittsburgh and the other in Paris. This is technology's trailing edge, according to Peter Sandborn in IEEE Spectrum: the huge, crippling problem of obsolescence.
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microsoft
Windows XP SP3 Being Manufactured, Available for Release on April 29
Window's XP Service Pack 3 has gone to manufacture, according to its release manager, who posted the news on Microsoft's forums. And April 29 is the date that we'll be able to get our unwashed paws on it, via the web. Full text is after the jump. More »
question of the day
This is a question that has been on my mind for years now, and with the whole Pystar fiasco making headlines recently, the subject has been on the brain once again. I have always wondered how much market share OSX would gain over Windows if Apple opened it up to non-proprietary hardware. It seems unlikely at this point, but if it did happen would you ditch Windows? And if you already own a Mac, would you choose to install OSX on different hardware?
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If OSX Was Available on Non-Proprietary Hardware, Would You Ditch Windows, Macs?
This is a question that has been on my mind for years now, and with the whole Pystar fiasco making headlines recently, the subject has been on the brain once again. I have always wondered how much market share OSX would gain over Windows if Apple opened it up to non-proprietary hardware. It seems unlikely at this point, but if it did happen would you ditch Windows? And if you already own a Mac, would you choose to install OSX on different hardware?
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microsoft
Microsoft Wants You to Pay Monthly Subscription for Office and Services You Won't Use
Microsoft is testing a new bundle of fun codenamed "Albany" which rolls Office Home and Student, Windows Live OneCare, Office Live Workspace and some other Live services into a package that you'll pay a monthly fee for. It's this kind of thing, turning software into service you have to keep paying for and never actually own, that makes reports of Windows 7's modularity kinda scary. Here's what "Albany" will ask you to pony up for every month in real-world terms. More »
HP MediaSmart SL4278N and SL4778N Get Media Extender Update
If you own an HP MediaSmart television, you can now download a firmware update that brings the Media Center support you've been waiting for. Go for, rejoice, etc.
home automation
Crestron, the company that makes crazy high-end home automation equipment that lets you turn off your lights by just breathing loudly, just announced Windows Sideshow support. You remember Windows Sideshow, right? The Windows Vista feature that lets you feed Vista's Gadgets onto an external device. Crestron's including this on all Crestron touchpanels and 2-way devices that support dynamic text. Not only does it read data, you can even send control information back to Windows to change a song or turn off your BitTorrent downloads because you're about to play some Xbox Live.
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Crestron Home Automation Adds Windows Sideshow Support
Crestron, the company that makes crazy high-end home automation equipment that lets you turn off your lights by just breathing loudly, just announced Windows Sideshow support. You remember Windows Sideshow, right? The Windows Vista feature that lets you feed Vista's Gadgets onto an external device. Crestron's including this on all Crestron touchpanels and 2-way devices that support dynamic text. Not only does it read data, you can even send control information back to Windows to change a song or turn off your BitTorrent downloads because you're about to play some Xbox Live.
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windows vista
Vista Update Scrambling USB Devices, SP1 Auto-Rollout Stalled?
An update that went out last week for Vista to patch security holes in Windows Defender (ironically) is apparently knocking out some USB devices like mice and keyboards, so that they stop working entirely. Microsoft actually admits the issue: "We are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices. We are investigating the matter, and at this time, do not have any information to share." So you might wanna skip that one. Speaking of, the Reg also says Vista SP1's supposed auto roll-out "remains missing in action" and has an MS spokesman seemingly confirm the delay. We installed manually a while ago. Anyone got the automatic update? [The Reg]
windows xp
