Handful of Vista Hotfixes Available
Now that Windows Vista has been unleashed onto an expecting public, a number of minor issues have cropped up in the new operating system. Microsoft has already posted a handful of hotfixes for those running into issues, although they aren't critical enough to be published on Microsoft Update.
Windows enthusiast Steven Bink has linked to the fixes, which include patches for Vista crashing when connected to a Firewire device, high definition audio devices not working after resuming Windows, and audio playback in a different language when using Media Center. Microsoft frequently releases non-priority hotfixes that usually make their way into service packs for its operating systems.
Zune Executive Leaves Microsoft
One of the executives responsible for the launch of Microsoft's answer to the ubiquitous iPod is leaving the company, it was announced Wednesday. Entertainment and Device corporate vice president Bryan Lee will leave to pursue personal interests. Replacing him will be J Allard, who was responsible with running the company's Xbox business. Microsoft gave no further details as to why Lee had made the decision to leave.
Lee does not leave the Zune division without some success. 10.2 percent of players shipped in December with hard disk drives were Zunes, although overall the Zune was only able to grab a 2.5 percent share. Microsoft expects to sell about one million units by June.
Verizon Wireless Turns on EV-DO Upgrade
Verizon Wireless said Thursday that it had begun its rollout of its next generation wireless broadband technology, based on the CDMA EV-DO Revision A standard. The technology will give users a slight speed increase in areas equipped with the service. The network will first launch in Massachusetts, including the city of Boston, as well as Richmond and Hampton Roads, Va., Chicago, Ill. and its suburbs, Salt Lake City, Utah, and throughout the state of Florida.
Users will notice the biggest difference in file upload times, which will increase to 300-400 kbps. Download speeds will also increase, with up to 800kbps of downstream bandwidth available, Verizon said. No timetable has been given for the rollout of services to the rest of Verizon's coverage area.
Google Upgrades Mini Search Appliance
To celebrate the second birthday of the Google Mini search appliance for small businesses, Google has upgraded the device with a number of new features to make it more flexible while remaining affordable at $1,995 for the base model. Existing customers can simply upgrade their hardware to take advantage of the improvements.
Google has endeavored to make the Mini more useful for both public Web sites and Intranets, linking it with a number of enterprise applications such as Salesforce, SAP and Oracle, in addition to integrating Google webmaster tools, Analytics, and a new administration interface. Document-level security has also been added to search results, enabling the application to index protected content and make sure users can only see links they can access.
Microsoft Offers First Vista Ultimate Extras
Shortly before the operating systems' launch Monday night, Microsoft posted the first of what it expects to be many added extras for consumers that have purchased its top-of-the-line version of Windows Vista, dubbed "Ultimate." Among the first add-ons released are the game "Texas Hold'em Poker," and enhancements for both the BitLocker and EFS functionality.
"This is just the beginning," Windows Vista product manager Nick White posted to the official Vista blog Tuesday. Vista Ultimate is available as the full version for $399.95 USD or in upgrade form for $259.95 USD. However, OEM copies of the software are available for $199.99 USD from electronics retail sites like NewEgg.com.
Apple Introduces Colored Shuffles
Hoping to continue the success of its entry-level iPod Shuffle player, Apple on Tuesday introduced four colored versions of its popular music device that would sell alongside the original silver version. The new colors will sell for the same price as the original, $79 USD, and include blue, pink, green and orange.
The new players are available immediately online and through stores, the company said. "iPod shuffle is the world's most wearable digital music player," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. "Music fans can now choose iPod shuffle in one of five brilliant colors, or they can buy one of each."
Second Life Items Get eBay Go-Ahead
Traditionally, virtual items are banned from eBay; however, the company said Monday that it would exempt items from the popular Second Life virtual world. The change in policy comes from a reconsideration of what the company considers a "game." An eBay spokesperson says that there is a question as to whether or not Second Life is actually a game, so it will refrain from pulling listings for the time being.
Don't take this as a change in the online auction site's policies. Still banned are gaming items from virtual worlds like World of Warcraft and Everquest. eBay made no additional statements on whether it planned to change its policies regarding those popular massively multiplayer online games.
Microsoft Asks for IE8 Suggestions
Microsoft is asking a handful of beta testers what they'd like to see in its next Web browser, Internet Explorer 8, which is due out in late 2008 or early 2009. The survey was posted to the company's Connect beta site and largely focuses on RSS feeds, reported Mary Jo Foley.
Microsoft included built-in RSS, or Web feed, support in IE7 for the first time. The company asked users how often they read feeds, and what other applications they use to do so. It also hinted at supporting blog comments in a feed, and better offline feed reading. Other questions centered around Favorites and navigation. What new features would you like to see in IE8?
Symantec to Acquire Altiris for $830m
Security software vendor Symantec announced Monday it has agreed to acquire Altiris, a maker of asset management software, in a cash deal valued at about $830 million. Altiris counts Dell, IBM and Microsoft as partners who sell its products to businesses.
Altiris' software helps companies manage and service the desktops, laptops, and other devices used by employees. It also enables them to keep track of back-end infrastructure such as servers and storage hardware. Symantec says the acquisition fits into the company's vision of unified security, as Altiris software makes it easier to know when a system is vulnerable or needs upgrading.
Apple Fixes Mac Wi-Fi Vulnerability
Apple has fixed a vulnerability in its AirPort product that was disclosed late last year as part of the "Month of Kernel Bugs" program. An attacker would be able to compromise a Mac by sending specially crafted data to it over a wireless network, causing the system to crash, according to an Apple alert. The issue affected Intel Core Duo versions of its Mac Mini, MacBook and MacBook Pro lines.
"This update addresses the issue by performing additional validation of wireless frames," the company said in the advisory. The update will be automatically delivered via the Software Update feature of Mac OS X, or can be downloaded through the Apple software download site.
Universal: 100 HD DVD Titles in 2007
Movie studio Universal, which exclusively supports the HD DVD disc format, said late Thursday that it planned to release more than 100 titles in HD DVD during 2007. It also said that 90 percent of its titles released during the year would be in "combo disc" format, which contains the DVD version of the movie on one side and the HD DVD format on the other.
Among the titles to be released first are The Mummy Returns on January 18, followed by Brokeback Mountain on January 23. After that, Universal said it plans "dozens" of day-and-date releases of new release titles. Catalog titles to be offered this year include The Bourne Identity, Meet The Fockers, American Pie, Erin Brockovich, and Liar Liar, among others.
EarthLink to Provide Wi-Fi in Atlanta
EarthLink said Thursday that it was in the process of negotiating a contract with its hometown of Atlanta that would allow it to build, own, and operate a municipal wireless network there. The deal would be EarthLink's eighth in a major city. So far, it has operational networks in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Milpitas and Anaheim, Calif. Construction is underway in Alexandria, Va., and Pasadena, Calif., and a network is near approval in San Francisco.
The rest of the Atlanta network's specification would be similar to that of its other networks. 1Mbps connection speeds would be provided for $18 per month, with discounted rates available to low-income households. The network would also be open access, which means competing companies would be permitted to offer their own services over the same signal.
Free T-Mobile Hotspot for Vista Users
As part of its promotional efforts surrounding the launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft said Wednesday that for 90 days after the debut of the next-generation operating system, customers would be able to use T-Mobile Hotspot Wi-Fi for free on laptops running Vista. Those with advance copies of the operating system would be able to take advantage of the program beginning January 26, Microsoft said.
The service would be available at any of T-Mobile's 8,234 locations across the United States, including Starbucks, Borders bookstores, FedEx Kinko's location, select Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, airports, and the airline clubs of American, Delta, United and US Airways. The only requirement to access the service is a computer with Windows Vista installed.
New Google Groups Leaves Beta
Google has dropped the "beta" moniker from the new version of its Groups service, which brings a number of new social networking features in over 12 languages. Users can now customize the look of their group, create and edit Web pages, upload and share files and photos, and view member profiles.
"And for your discussions, there's no need to struggle to follow interrupted conversations, as Google Groups now includes the same style of organization that Gmail users love," said Google software engineer Griff Hazen. The company has put together a tour showcasing the new features, including Web page creation and file sharing.
HBO Sues EchoStar for Late Licensing Fees
HBO has filed a $90 million lawsuit against EchoStar, the parent company of DISH Network, over what it calls late and underpaid licensing fees. The premium network has accused the company of being consistently late in payments, and improperly calculating licensing fees. EchoStar has shot back, saying HBO filed the suit in response to a FCC complaint filed by the company.
In that complaint, EchoStar accuses HBO of charging them higher rates than the cable companies for identical services. However HBO denies that its suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York earlier this month, has anything to do with EchoStar's complaint. It also expressed confidence that the FCC would rule in its favor.
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