Microsoft Shuts Down 'Max' Project
Microsoft Max, a beta application that was a testbed for new technologies and was designed to showcase the capabilities in Windows Vista's new graphics and communication frameworks has concluded, Microsoft disclosed this week.
Max debuted a year ago as a photo organizer, and was later updated to add support for reading news and user defined RSS feeds. The company says the goals of the project were completed, and feedback from Max was incorporated into the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) and the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF). All Max services, including the sharing of photos and news, will be shut down next week.
Microsoft Launches Zune Web Site
In advance of the player's official launch on November 14, Microsoft has taken the wraps off its new Zune Web site promoting the device, along with a Zune Arts site for users to download and share background images and short videos.
"Welcome to the social," Microsoft's Zune tagline reads. Social networking features like music and playlist sharing are what the Redmond company hopes will set Zune apart from Apple's ubiquitous iPod and give it a chance to compete. Microsoft is also hosting launch events in six cities in order to spread the word about its new player.
Toys 'R Us, GameStop Official Wii Launch Partners
Nintendo has chosen Toys 'R Us and GameStop as its featured retailers for the launch of its next-generation console. Slated to launch November 19, the Nintendo Wii will retail for $249.99 USD. Even with the official launch partners, it may still be difficult to obtain the console through either retailer as news reports indicate the companies have already run through a large portion of their allotments during pre-order programs last month.
While other retailers would be permitted to sell the console at midnight, Nintendo's official retailers would likely have better inventory levels. The official launches will take place on both coasts: at the Toys 'R Us flagship store in New York City, and at the Universal CityWalk flagship GameStop store in Los Angeles.
Microsoft Postpones 'Halo' Movie
Those waiting for the upcoming "Halo" movie will have to wait a bit longer. Microsoft said Tuesday that it would delay the release of the movie indefinitely, although the company still plans to eventually produce the feature film. The future of "Halo" was thrown into doubt after its two financiers, Universal Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox, pulled out over disagreements earlier this month.
"At this time Microsoft, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh have mutually agreed to postpone making a feature film based on the Halo video game," Microsoft said in a statement. The film had originally been scheduled for a summer 2008 release.
French Google Book Search Suit Grows
A second publisher group in France has joined a lawsuit against search giant Google in French court over its Google Book Search service. The suit is similar to one brought forth by the US-based Author's Guild and was filed October 24. In the statement, Le Syndicat National de l'Edition (SNE) says it joined Le Martiniire Groupe in its suit against the company because it believes that Google is ignoring intellectual property laws by copying the content of the books.
The original suit was filed in June, of which SNE supported. Both companies object to Google's decision to use an opt-out method when including books in the search. To its defense, Google has maintained that scanning the books is fair use, because only a portion of the text is included within search results.
New iPod Shuffle Set to Arrive Nov. 3
Apple said Tuesday that it planned to release the second-generation iPod Shuffle on Nov. 3, which is thought to be the world's smallest MP3 player at just a half a cubic inch in volume and weighing in at a half an ounce. The player has a 1-gigabyte capacity and retails for $79 USD. Originally announced in September, the player began shipping to pre-order customers Monday.
The cause of the delay is unknown, however it looks as if the new Shuffle will be the last new iPod before the new year and Macworld 2007. "The new iPod shuffle completes our all-new lineup of iPods for this holiday season and beyond, and we hope it's going to be a huge hit," Apple worldwide marketing vice president Greg Joswiak said.
Windows Media Player 11 Released
After a brief delay, Microsoft on Monday made available Windows Media Player version 11. The update includes several enhancements, including a new user interface, improved syncing, and integration with the URGE music service.
Windows Media Player 11 has been publicly available as a beta download since May of this year. However, issues with the quality of the release caused Microsoft to delay the final product while last minute bugs are ironed out. WMP11 works on Windows XP is available for download in both 32-bit and 64-bit variants.
Firefox 2: 2 Million Downloads in a Day
Mozilla said that downloads for the second version of its Firefox browser reached two million in the first 24 hours, or more than 30 downloads per second. The rate of downloads compare to one million in the first 24 hours with the first version of Firefox, and 1.5 million with Firefox 1.5. The latest version of Firefox adds enhancements such as a phishing filter, a retooled user interface, and performance improvements.
Mozilla user experience lead Mike Beltzner says Firefox's "less is more" philosophy is what makes the browser so popular. He even compared it to a Honda Civic, a car popular with auto enthusiasts due to its easily upgradable design. "By default, Firefox is a simple, sleek, efficient, reliable and effective web browser," he said. "If you're the type of person who tinkers, though ... well, the sky is the limit."
MS Office Validation Now Mandatory
Want to use the extra features within Office? Be prepared to verify that your copy of the productivity suite is genuine. While the so-called Office Genuine Advantage has been around since April, Microsoft did not make it mandatory until Friday. Starting today, using Office Online templates would require the validation, and the ability to download updates would also require verification beginning in January.
The move signals a tougher stance from Microsoft, which recently has begun to crack down on casual piracy of its products by customers. Those who have acquired pirated software without their knowledge, but agree to assist Microsoft in identifying where they obtained it from, would qualify for a legitimate copy of the software. Those who do not agree to help would have to pay the full fee to obtain new software.
Apple Fixes MacBook Shutdown Issues
Apple has released a firmware update for its popular MacBook line of laptops, which it says fixes an issue that causes the systems to shut down unexpectedly. The company is advising that all owners install the patch, even if they have sent in their units for repair. The problem was first discovered in August, following at least two other issues including overheating and case discoloration in some units.
"The SMC Update improves the MacBook's internal monitoring system and addresses issues with unexpected shutdowns," Apple said in a notice describing the update. Although the exact number of laptops affected is unknown, a site, macbookrandomshutdown.com, was started shortly after the problem was discovered and has since grown to over 1,500 members.
Sony Battery Fire Injures One in Japan
Fujitsu, one of several companies involved in the worldwide Sony laptop battery recall, disclosed Friday that one of its notebooks with Sony's batteries overheated and sparked, burning the hand of the user. The injuries were minor, and the incident was the first known occurrence on any of its products, the company said. Altogether, Fujitsu is recalling some 338,000 batteries due to the fire risk.
Sony has taken a massive financial hit due to the recall, announcing that combined with preparations for the PlayStation 3, it is reporting a 96 percent drop in net profits. Although occurrences like the one in Japan are rare, the electronics maker has decided to hedge its bets and call back any battery that may have been manufactured during that period as a safety precaution.
Cisco Acquires Orative for $31 Million
Cisco said Thursday it had acquired Orative in a move designed to extend its Unified Communications offering to cell and smart phones. The San Jose, Calif. based company produces an application that allows Cisco customers to use the platform on these devices. With the software, users can access the Cisco Unified CallManager, Cisco MeetingPlace collaboration application and Cisco Unity voicemail products.
Subject to regulatory approval, the acquisition is expected close in Cisco's second fiscal quarter. "The Orative acquisition will allow Cisco to further deliver on its promise of extending the Unified Communications experience from the network services to mobile devices," Cisco voice technology senior vice president Don Proctor said in the announcement.
Windows Media Player 11 Delayed
Microsoft has temporarily put its release of Windows Media Player 11 on hold, citing quality concerns. According to several Windows enthusiast sites such as Neowin, the company pushed back its target date from Tuesday to October 30. The newest version of the player includes several enhancements, including a new user interface, improved syncing, and integration with the URGE music service.
Windows Media Player 11 has been publicly available as a beta download since May of this year. However, issues with the quality of the release have apparently caused Microsoft to delay the final product while last minute bugs are ironed out.
Lionsgate Sweetens CinemaNow Burn to DVD Offering
Following Universal, Lionsgate said Wednesday it will add "day-and-date" releases to CinemaNow's Burn to DVD service. Additionally, this week the studio would add select movies from its catalog to the service's library. To entice new users to the service, movies would be promotionally priced at $9.99 USD. The first day-and-date film would be "An American Haunting," joining catalog titles "Reservoir Dogs" among others.
"Consumers clearly prefer the Burn to DVD option," said Bruce Eisen, President of CinemaNow. "We are pleased that Lionsgate and other studios have embraced this service and are offering their films on a day and date basis with the general DVD release." The company says more than 100 titles are currently available through the service.
Verizon Wireless to Use Flash Lite Tech
Adobe said Wednesday that Verizon Wireless would become the first US wireless carrier to announce availability of Flash Lite content on its network. The BREW-enabled player would allow the technology to be used on almost any Get It Now-enabled phone, the two companies said. The first phones to support the technology would be the LG VX9800, Motorola Razr V3c and V3m, and the Samsung SCH-a950.
Verizon said the company plans to add additional handsets to the list in the coming weeks. Content would be purchase through the Get It Now virtual store. "Flash Lite for BREW utilizes the key features and benefits of the Flash authoring tool and the BREW platform, providing developers with a clear path to market for content distribution," it said in a statement.
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