iPod Mini, Shuffle to Get Updates
Apple enthusiast site ThinkSecret on Friday reported that Apple is planning to make significant changes to its iPod Mini line and introduce larger iPod Shuffles in the coming weeks. The announcements are expected at Apple Expo Paris on September 20.
Apple has scheduled a press event next Wednesday, however it is widely expected that the Cupertino company will use the event to announce the oft-delayed Motorola iTunes phone.
AP Offers Satellite View of New Orleans
The Associated Press has released an online tool for viewing satellite images of the situation in New Orleans. Users can zoom in on specific neighborhoods and streets, and view the destruction caused by hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding throughout the city.
The high-definition satellite imagery was taken on Wednesday by DigitalGlobe; resolution is at 2.4 meters per pixel. Viewers can see what areas are still submerged in water and potentially whether their house still exists. The AP says it will be updating the tool as new images become available.
Microsoft Expands OneCare Beta Test
Microsoft is expanding its Windows OneCare beta program, opening the door for more testers to trial the company's comprehensive PC protection and maintenance package. Initially OneCare will include antivirus and firewall protection, an automated PC tune-up, and backup and restore functionality.
"We have made excellent progress fixing bugs and adding new features. We are now at a point where we would like to begin expanding our group of beta testers, and invite you extend Windows OneCare beta invitations to your friends and family," Microsoft wrote in an e-mail. Those interested can apply for the beta program by visiting Windows Beta with the guest ID: OneCare.
Linspire Offers $50 Linux OS for Free
In response to confusion surrounding a free variant of the company's desktop Linux operating system, Linspire is giving away digital copies of its OS until September 6. The move is in response to the emergence of Freespire, which used the source code from Linspire but removed licensed third party and copyrighted content.
Developer Andrew Betts had put together Freespire as a side project, but the distribution was submitted to distrowatch.com as a bona-fide release. After discussions with representatives from Linspire, Betts agreed to change the name of his package and temporarily settled on Squiggle.
Mass. to Dump Microsoft Office by 2007
Massachusetts is moving forward with a plan to transition from proprietary document formats to XML-based open standards. But the latest draft of the proposal includes one notable change: Microsoft Office is no longer considered an open format and thus is not sanctioned for use.
Two years ago, Massachusetts officials embarked on an ambitious project to promote the use of open source and open standards software within the state government. The goal was to save money that would have been spent licensing expensive proprietary software and ensure interoperability between agencies.
Toshiba May Delay HD-DVD Until 2006
Toshiba said Thursday it was considering pushing back the launch of its next-generation HD-DVD players until 2006 - losing its first-mover advantage and the holiday season sales rush. HD-DVD was expected to get a head start on rival format Blu-ray, which Sony is set to debut early next year.
The news follows an end to negotiations over a unified high-definition DVD format. Toshiba said it had ended the talks in order to begin work on meeting its self-imposed year-end deadline for shipping HD-DVD players. Now the company admits it is reconsidering its options.
Microsoft Preps for Business Summit
While Steve Jobs unveils the new iTunes phone with Motorola, his rivals up in Redmond will be hosting an event of their own: Microsoft Business Summit 2005. On September 7, more than 300 midsized business customers and their Microsoft partners will join Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer to discuss future plans.
The summit "will offer customers and partners the opportunity to learn about the company's updated vision, strategy and technology road map for midsize businesses," Microsoft says. The event and keynotes will be broadcast via satellite to other customer events throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Apple Cancels 30-Day Mac Mini Promo
Less than one day after announcing that purchasers of a Mac Mini can return the system within 30 days for a full refund, Apple has quietly pulled the plug on the promotion. It's not clear why the offer was removed, but as of Thursday morning there was no trace of its existence.
The promotion was being offered solely through Apple's online store, and was seemingly aimed at attracting Windows users who may be hesitant about switching platforms. "We’re so confident you'll love your new Mac mini, we'll let you test drive it for 30 days with no risk," the promotion said.
AIM Gets Part in Upcoming Movie
Is it a simple product placement, or a travesty of film? AOL Instant Messenger has landed a major role in the upcoming terror flick "Cry_Wolf" about a group of high school seniors whose online rumors turn into a terrifying reality. Whatever you call it, it's clear the Web is now a key player in Hollywood.
From "You've Got Mail" to "Fear.com" to racy chat sessions in "Closer," everyday Internet activity has become intertwined with our culture. AOL's connection with Cry_Wolf began after director Jeff Wadlow won the Million Dollar Film Festival, a year-long film competition sponsored by Chrysler.
Windows Server 2003 R2 RC0 Ships
Microsoft has shipped the first release candidate of its interim update to Windows Server 2003, known as R2. Rooted in Windows Server 2003 SP1, R2 delivers many enhancements and several new components, while leaving the core of the operating system unchanged to facilitate faster development.
Beta 2 of R2 was released in April, prompting fears that Microsoft would delay a final launch. Barring any delays, however, R2 is still expected to be ship before the end the year. Downloads of RC0 are available for both x86 and x64 versions of the operating system.
Microsoft Acquires VOIP Provider Teleo
Further emphasizing the growing importance of Internet telephony, Microsoft said late Tuesday it has acquired VOIP provider Teleo. Founded in 2003, Teleo offers a service for making voice calls from a PC to a traditional telephone number. Microsoft plans to integrate the technology into its MSN services.
Like fellow instant messaging clients, MSN Messenger currently offers PC-to-PC calling. But the additional of Teleo would mean calls could also be made to standard national and international phone numbers directly from the software.
OpenOffice.org 2.0 Beta 2 Impresses
Can the open source OpenOffice.org project ever take on Microsoft Office in the marketplace? Version 2.0 is showing the most promise yet, and the second beta of the new productivity suite is already receiving high marks from users. Below is a selection of reviews from BetaNews readers.
Excellent software, and worthy Office Replacement. Sure, it takes a few seconds more to load, but are those few seconds worth $329 to upgrade to Office 2003 or $499 for a full new license? OO is far and away the best Office alternative, and you can't beat the price. - arossetti
Opera Offers Free Browser Licenses
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Opera Software plans to give away free registration codes for its Opera Web browser for a period of 24 hours. Users can also join the party at Opera's community site, which features games, stories on the history of Opera and music downloads.
Opera was founded in 1995 as a reasearch project in Norway at telecom company Telenor. "On this day we celebrate our users. From the very beginning, we've consistently worked closely with our community to make sure we deliver the best Internet experience," said Jon S. von Tetzchner, Opera Software CEO.
Microsoft Investigating New IE6 Flaw
Microsoft said it is investigating a report of a new potentially critical flaw discovered in Internet Explorer by security researcher Tom Ferris. The problem affects fully patched Windows XP SP2 systems running IE6, and could lead to remote code executation.
Ferris, who has been credited by Microsoft as finding a security vulnerability in the Remote Desktop Protocol, says he reported the issue to Microsoft on August 14. Ferris is not sharing any specifics of the flaw in order to keep users safe while Microsoft develops a patch, but he has posted a screenshot of IE crashing from the bug.
Cingular Inks Deal to Sell iTunes Phone
Wireless carrier Cingular has reportedly signed a deal with Apple to offer the Motorola phone with built-in iTunes software, which would enable users to transfer songs to the mobile handset. The phone is expected to be officially unveiled September 7 at an event in San Francisco.
Both Motorola and Cingular have shot commercials for the phone, which will reportedly hold around 100 songs. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal confirmed Apple's plans and said Cingular will bring the phone to market in time for the holidays.
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