Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[DICE to require 64-bit OS for some 2013 games, that Windows ME box in the den isn't cutting it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dice-to-require-64-bit-os-for-some-2013-games/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dice-to-require-64-bit-os-for-some-2013-games/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/dice-to-require-64-bit-os-for-some-2013-games/#comments DICE to require 64-bit OS for some 2013 games, that Windows ME box in the den isn't cutting it

We're entering a world of mainstream 64-bit computing -- whether we like it or not. Just weeks after Adobe started requiring 64-bit Macs for CS6, DICE's Rendering Architect Johan Andersson has warned that some of his company's 2013 games using the Frostbite engine will need the extra bits as a matter of course. In other words, it won't matter if you have a quad Core i7 gaming PC of death should the software be inadequate; if you're still running a 32-bit copy of Windows 7 come the new year, you won't be playing. The developer points to memory as the main culprit, as going 64-bit guarantees full access to 4GB or more of RAM as well as better virtual addressing. Andersson sees it as a prime opportunity to upgrade to Windows 8, although 64-bit Vista and 7 (and presumably OS X, if and when Mac versions exist) will be dandy. Just be prepared to upgrade that Windows XP PC a lot sooner than Microsoft's 2014 support cutoff if you're planning to run the next Battlefield or Mirror's Edge.

DICE to require 64-bit OS for some 2013 games, that Windows ME box in the den isn't cutting it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32 bit32-bit32Bit64 bit64-bit64Bitbattlefieldcomputerscomputingdiceenginefrostbitefrostbite 2Frostbite2gamegame engineGameEnginegamesgamingmac os xMacOsXmemorymemory addressingMemoryAddressingmirrors edgeMirrorsEdgeos xOsXramsoftwarevirtual addressingVirtualAddressingvistawindows 7windows 8windows vistawindows xpWindows7Windows8WindowsVistaWindowsXpTue, 22 May 2012 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper iOS support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/adobe-flash-11-3-beta-3-and-air-3-3-beta-3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/adobe-flash-11-3-beta-3-and-air-3-3-beta-3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/adobe-flash-11-3-beta-3-and-air-3-3-beta-3/#comments Adobe Flash Platform

Adobe's famous desktop browser plugin may be looking forward to a 2013 overhaul, but that doesn't mean it isn't out to improve itself in the here and now. Flash Player's 11.3 beta, for instance, rolls in low latency audio support through NetStream, designed specifically to cut back audio lag in cloud gaming. The beta also introduces support for complete keyboard control when in full-screen mode, background Flash updating on Macs, and a Protected Mode for Firefox that keeps rogue Flash files from compromising Windows PCs using Vista or later.

The AIR 3.3 beta, on the other hand, smooths the runtime's iOS experience, allowing compiled apps to run in the background more like their natively-compiled siblings. It's also friendlier to developers, with new USB debugging and simulator support that now doesn't require a physical device. Android 4.0 users aren't entirely left out, getting stylus support for AIR apps on their platform. Adobe hasn't said when the finished versions of Flash 11.3 and AIR 3.3 will reach its servers, but if you're willing to live life on the bleeding edge, you can find the download links below.

Third betas of Adobe Flash 11.3, AIR 3.3 give peeks at low-lag audio and deeper iOS support originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe airAdobe Flashadobe flash playerAdobeAirAdobeFlashAdobeFlashPlayerAIRandroidAndroid 4.0Android4.0developerdevelopersfirefoxflashflash playerFlashPlayerIOSipadiphoneiPodipod touchIpodTouchmozillamozilla FirefoxMozillaFirefoxvistawindowswindows vistaWindowsVistaSat, 05 May 2012 08:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista support isn't an eternal flame, but from tomorrow it's 'extended']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/windows-vista-support-isnt-an-eternal-flame-but-from-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/windows-vista-support-isnt-an-eternal-flame-but-from-tomorrow/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/09/windows-vista-support-isnt-an-eternal-flame-but-from-tomorrow/#commentsWindows Vista support isn't an eternal flame, but from tomorrow it's 'extended'Remember how we told you that Windows Vista was getting extended support? Well here's a little PSA: that new phase begins tomorrow, and it's slightly different to what Redmond calls 'mainstream' support. You'll still get security updates until April 2017, but according to Microsoft's general support policy you'll lose certain other benefits. Key among those are warranty claims and no-charge incident support. So, after the party is the after-party -- at least until you're ready for an upgrade party.

Windows Vista support isn't an eternal flame, but from tomorrow it's 'extended' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>extended supportExtendedSupportmicrosoftmicrosoft windows vistaMicrosoftWindowsVistaminipostoperating systemOperatingSystemOSsoftwaresupportvistawindowswindows vistaWindowsVistaMon, 09 Apr 2012 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows support will last forever (almost), thank you Microsoft!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/windows-support-will-last-forever/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/windows-support-will-last-forever/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/23/windows-support-will-last-forever/#comments
Just when you needed one more reason to carry on loving Windows Vista, Microsoft has gone and increased its customer support period. An extension has also been granted to Windows 7, which will get a full ten years of support instead of the usual five. There's been no announcement or fanfare, except for a brief communication from Microsoft Japan that sets out the new end dates. XP's support will stop in 2014, Vista's will shut down in 2017 and Windows 7's will come to a close in post-apocalyptic 2020, at which point call center staff will no doubt throw a party on Europa.

[Thanks, Abhishikt]

[Happy elderly couple photo via Shutterstock.]

Windows support will last forever (almost), thank you Microsoft! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blissmicrosoftminipostplaying golf togetherretirementsupportthe futureunconditional lovevistawindowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpThu, 23 Feb 2012 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: UK Retailer 'sold 94,000 counterfeit copies of Windows' (Update: Comet responds)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/microsoft-uk-retailer-sold-94-000-counterfeit-copies-of-window/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/microsoft-uk-retailer-sold-94-000-counterfeit-copies-of-window/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/microsoft-uk-retailer-sold-94-000-counterfeit-copies-of-window/#comments
Microsoft has launched an attack on beleaguered electronics retailer Comet -- stating that the British chain pirated 94,000 copies of Vista and XP recovery discs. Comet, which was recently sold off for £2 ($3), allegedly produced the copies at a factory in Hampshire and bundled them with PCs sold at its stores. There's been no official response from Comet yet, but we can't imagine Microsoft would throw this sort of statement around lightly. If you're concerned you are running a counterfeit copy of Windows, check out the How To Tell site below and we'll keep our eyes on this one as the saga unfolds.

Update: Comet has issued the following response to Microsoft's statement which we've got for you in full, after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft: UK Retailer 'sold 94,000 counterfeit copies of Windows' (Update: Comet responds)

Microsoft: UK Retailer 'sold 94,000 counterfeit copies of Windows' (Update: Comet responds) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BusinessCometComet UKCometUkLawsuitMicrosoftMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Windows XPMicrosoftWindowsMicrosoftWindowsXpPiracyPirated Recovery DiscPiratedRecoveryDiscRecovery DiscRecoveryDiscSoftwareVistaXPWed, 04 Jan 2012 06:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to malware: your AutoRunning days on Windows are numbered]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/microsoft-to-malware-your-autorunning-days-on-windows-are-numbe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/microsoft-to-malware-your-autorunning-days-on-windows-are-numbe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/microsoft-to-malware-your-autorunning-days-on-windows-are-numbe/#comments Beware, malware. The Windows AutoRun updates for Vista and XP SP3 that Microsoft released in February have so far proven successful in thwarting your file corrupting ways. Although Windows 7 was updated to disable AutoPlay within AutoRun for USB drives -- freezing the ability for a virus to exploit it -- the aforementioned versions had remained vulnerable up until right after January. Fast-forward to the period between February and May of this year, and the updates have reduced the number of incidents by 1.3 million compared to the three months prior for the supported Vista and XP builds. Amazingly, when stacked against May of last year, there was also a 68 percent decline in the amount of incidents reported across all builds of Windows using Microsoft's Malicious Software Remove Tool. There's another fancy graph after the break to help illustrate, and you'll find two more along with a full breakdown by hitting the source link down under.

Continue reading Microsoft to malware: your AutoRunning days on Windows are numbered

Microsoft to malware: your AutoRunning days on Windows are numbered originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto runautoplayAutoRuncomputer securityComputerSecurityconfickerexploitflash driveFlashDrivemalwaremicrosoftmsrtsecuritythumbdriveupdateusbusb driveUsbDrivevirusvistavunerabilitywindowswindows updatewindows vistawindows xpWindowsUpdateWindowsVistaWindowsXpxpxp sp3XpSp3Sat, 18 Jun 2011 21:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Casio G'zOne Commando review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/casio-gzone-commando-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/casio-gzone-commando-review/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/14/casio-gzone-commando-review/#comments For years, construction workers, thrill-seekers, and everyone else unfettered by cubicle walls have had rubberized, rugged handsets to keep them company on the road. Until fairly recently, though, the price of durability has been settling for a dumbphone. And frankly, the selection of toughened-up smartphones remains pretty sparse today. Casio's G'zOne Commando ($199 on contract) isn't the first quasi-invincible Android device, but it is the first to be sold on Verizon's network. As expensive as a flagship handset, the Commando offers military-grade resilience against drops, water, extreme cold, and other elements. But is it capable enough for everything else? Let's find out.

Gallery: Casio G'zOne Commando review

Continue reading Casio G'zOne Commando review

Filed under:

Casio G'zOne Commando review originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>810GAndroid 2.2Android2.2casiocasio commandoCasio gZone CommandoCasioCommandoCasioGzoneCommandocommandodurableFroyofroyo updateFroyoUpdateGooglemil-specmilspecmilspec 810GMilspec810gmobilereviewruggedrugged phoneRuggedPhoneverizon iphoneVerizonIphonevistaSat, 14 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms IE10 won't run on Vista, millions of IE9 users shrug]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/microsoft-confirms-ie10-wont-run-on-vista-millions-of-ie9-user/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/microsoft-confirms-ie10-wont-run-on-vista-millions-of-ie9-user/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/microsoft-confirms-ie10-wont-run-on-vista-millions-of-ie9-user/#comments If you're part of the dwindling group still using Windows Vista, you'll have to wait until your next upgrade to take IE10 for a spin -- Microsoft has confirmed that the latest version of its browser won't run on its last-gen operating system, either in developer preview form or when the final software ships. While it's tempting to interpret that as an attempt on Microsoft's part to put the widely loathed Vista in its past, there's actually a precedent for this -- remember that Microsoft cut off XP support when it unveiled IE9. As a Microsoft rep told Computerworld, the company would rather not have to develop software for a lowest-common denominator. At least, if you do have to stick with the newly minted IE9, you can be sure you'll be in good company.

Microsoft confirms IE10 won't run on Vista, millions of IE9 users shrug originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowsersIEIE 10IE 9Ie10Ie9internet explorerinternet explorer 10InternetExplorerInternetExplorer10Microsoftversionversionsvistawindowswindows vistaWindowsVistaThu, 14 Apr 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Charting the upgrade path from DOS 5.0 to Windows 7 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/charting-the-upgrade-path-from-dos-5-0-to-windows-7-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/charting-the-upgrade-path-from-dos-5-0-to-windows-7-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/03/charting-the-upgrade-path-from-dos-5-0-to-windows-7-video/#commentsCharting the upgrade path from DOS 5.0 to Windows 7 (video) If you're old enough to remember tweaking your Autoexec.bat and tackling IRQ conflicts, days when launching Windows required typing "win" at a command prompt, prepare for a blast of nostalgia. YouTuber Andrew Tait (aka "TheRasteri") took a freshly minted VMWare instance and spent what looks to be a full day running through every version of Windows starting with DOS 5.0 and Windows 1.0, which was basically just Explorer paired with one heck of a crummy text editor. From there he dutifully leads us on a crazy upgrade path all the way up to modern times, charting interesting things like how long a version of Doom installed in DOS ran (failed in Windows 2000, but worked again in Windows XP) and when color settings made in Windows 2.0 were finally overwritten (also in 2000). It's 10 minutes in length and is probably the most interesting video you won't watch today.

Continue reading Charting the upgrade path from DOS 5.0 to Windows 7 (video)

Charting the upgrade path from DOS 5.0 to Windows 7 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomdosdos 5.0Dos5.0microsoftupgradevideovistawindowswindows 2000windows 3.1windows 98windows vistawindows xpWindows2000Windows3.1Windows98WindowsVistaWindowsXpThu, 03 Mar 2011 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft rolls out long, long-awaited Windows update to disable AutoRun for USB drives]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/microsoft-rolls-out-long-long-awaited-windows-update-to-disable/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/microsoft-rolls-out-long-long-awaited-windows-update-to-disable/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/12/microsoft-rolls-out-long-long-awaited-windows-update-to-disable/#commentsIt's already changed the behavior in Windows 7, and Microsoft has now finally rolled out an update for earlier versions of Windows that prevents a program from executing automatically when a USB drive is plugged into a PC. That behavior has been blamed for the spread of malware in recent years -- including the infamous Conficker worm -- and Microsoft had actually already made it possible to disable the functionality back in November of 2009, albeit only through an update available from its Download Center website. It's now finally pushed the update out through the Windows Update channel, though, which should cause it to be much more broadly deployed (particularly in large organizations). As explained in a rather lengthy blog post, however, Microsoft has decided to simply make it an "important, non-security update" rather than a mandatory update, as it doesn't technically see AutoRun as a "vulnerability" -- it was by design, after all. That means you'll have to look for the option in Windows Update and check it off to install it -- if you choose, you can also re-enable it at anytime with a patch.

Microsoft rolls out long, long-awaited Windows update to disable AutoRun for USB drives originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 23:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autorunmalwaremicrosoftsecuritysoftware updateSoftwareUpdateupdateusbusb driveusb drivesUsbDriveUsbDrivesvistavulnerabilitywindowswindows updatewindows vistawindows xpWindowsUpdateWindowsVistaWindowsXpxpSat, 12 Feb 2011 23:44:00 EST<![CDATA[British government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there are really only six]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/14/british-government-confirms-nine-evs-eligible-for-5-000-rebates/#commentsBritish government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there's really only eight Buy an electric vehicle in the US, like the Nissan Leaf, and you can expect to get a nice boost to your tax refund: a $7,500 federal subsidy. Now the UK is getting in on the cash back game, with a programme program starting on January 1st to offer a 25 percent discount on EVs purchased -- up to a maximum of £5,000. Nine cars have been declared eligible for this decidedly choice bonus:
Sure, the first three and the last two cars are effectively the same models, just with different bits of chrome stuck on the front, but a little badge engineering never hurt anybody.

British government confirms nine EVs eligible for £5,000 rebates, but there are really only six originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmperabritainChevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltCitroenCitroen CZeroCitroenCzeroCZeroelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevfourtwo electric driveFourtwoElectricDrivegovernment subsidyGovernmentSubsidyi-MiEViOnLeafMitsubishiMitsubishi i-MiEVMitsubishiI-mievNissan LeafNissanLeafPeugeotPeugeot iOnPeugeotIonPrius Plug-in HybridPriusPlug-inHybridSmartSmart fourtwo electric driveSmartFourtwoElectricDriveTataTata VistaTataVistatax rebatetax refundTaxRebateTaxRefundToyotaToyota Prius Plug-in HybridToyotaPriusPlug-inHybridukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomVauxallVauxall AmperaVauxallAmperaVistaVoltTue, 14 Dec 2010 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Icon Notebook: textual communication avenue for the Microsoft Word averse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/icon-notebook-textual-communication-avenue-for-the-microsoft-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/icon-notebook-textual-communication-avenue-for-the-microsoft-wo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/01/icon-notebook-textual-communication-avenue-for-the-microsoft-wo/#comments It looks like a document. It's chock-full of documents. But not Microsoft Word documents. Only documents that could dream of one day being scanned in and converted to a Word document. It's the Icon Notebook, brought to you by the brilliant minds at Brigada Creativa, and it's on sale now for €6.95 ($9.34) direct from Spain. Which is a whole lot cheaper than a Word license, no matter the font you're talking in.

Icon Notebook: textual communication avenue for the Microsoft Word averse originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomeconceptdesigndocumentetsyiconmacnotebookon saleOnSaleos xOsXpaperpencilvistawindowswindows 7Windows7writingWed, 01 Dec 2010 00:50:00 EST<![CDATA[CE-oh no he didn't!: Microsoft's Kevin Turner says iPhone 4 might be Apple's Vista]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-microsofts-kevin-turner-says-the-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-microsofts-kevin-turner-says-the-iphone-4/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/14/ce-oh-no-he-didnt-microsofts-kevin-turner-says-the-iphone-4/#comments While not technically a CEO, Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner is not immune to a certain amount of executive level foot-in-mouth. Speaking at Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference in DC and chatting up his company's upcoming slate of Windows Phones, he couldn't help a little iPhone bashing: "It looks like the iPhone 4 might be their Vista, and I'm okay with that." Should we point out to Kevin that attempting to criticize your competition by comparing it to your own flagship products is usually counterproductive, or leave him to figure it out on his own during some early morning magnificent moustache contemplation session?

CE-oh no he didn't!: Microsoft's Kevin Turner says iPhone 4 might be Apple's Vista originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applece oh noce-oh noce-oh no he didntCe-ohNoCe-ohNoHeDidntCeOhNoiphoneiphone 4Iphone4kevin turnerKevinTurnermicrosoftvistawindowswindows vistaWindowsVistawpcWed, 14 Jul 2010 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefox 4 Beta 1 now available for download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/firefox-4-beta-1-now-available-for-download/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/firefox-4-beta-1-now-available-for-download/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/firefox-4-beta-1-now-available-for-download/#comments Whoa, Nelly! Is that a Firefox 4 download button we're looking at? Why yes... yes it is! We can't think of a much better way to wrap up one's workday than by finding out that Mozilla's own Firefox browser has finally made the official leap to 4.0, with Beta 1 going live for the adoring public today. It's ready to be sucked down and installed for those with Windows, Linux and OS X-based machines, and the changelog itself is far too lengthy for this space (though it's linked below for your perusal). You'll obviously notice an overhauled look hitting you front and center, with a new add-on manager, support for the new WebM format, improved privacy settings and crash protection headlining the "big chart o' features." Give 'er a download and toss your thoughts on the new build down in comments below, cool?

P.S. - Be warned that this may very well not work with your stable of add-ons right away, so we'd keep that stable 3.x.x build installed as a backup!

Firefox 4 Beta 1 now available for download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabreaking newsBreakingNewsbrowserdownloadfirefoxfirefox 4Firefox 4 Beta 1firefox 4.0Firefox4Firefox4.0Firefox4Beta1internetmacmozillaopen sourceOpenSourceos xOsXsoftwarevistawebweb browserWebBrowserwindowswindows 7windows vistaWindows7WindowsVistaTue, 06 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wi-Fi Sync now compatible with Windows and iPad]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/wi-fi-sync-now-compatible-with-windows-and-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/wi-fi-sync-now-compatible-with-windows-and-ipad/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/wi-fi-sync-now-compatible-with-windows-and-ipad/#commentsWi-Fi Sync is quite the gem (at least we think so) but it had some limitations -- namely, it only worked on OS X for desktop, and only with iPhone / iPod touch. Developer Greg Hughes pinged us earlier today to let us know he's thrown the gates off such restrictions. The jailbroken app now works for both iPads and Windows -- XP, Vista, and 7. The desktop client is free to download but it still cost just a hair under $10 for the appropriate mobile device. Worth the price of breaking free from wires? Your call.

Wi-Fi Sync now compatible with Windows and iPad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7appleapple ipadapple iphoneapple ipodapple ipod touchAppleIpadAppleIphoneAppleIpodAppleIpodTouchipadiphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchjail breakjail brokenJailBreakJailBrokensyncvistawi fiwi fi syncwi-fiwi-fi syncWi-fiSyncWiFiWiFiSyncwin 7win vistawin xpWin7windowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpWinVistaWinXpxpFri, 28 May 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 way hotter than Vista off the line, now more popular than all OS X versions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/windows-7-way-hotter-than-vista-off-the-line-now-more-popular-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/windows-7-way-hotter-than-vista-off-the-line-now-more-popular-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/windows-7-way-hotter-than-vista-off-the-line-now-more-popular-t/#commentsWe learned back in November that Windows 7 was having a much (much!) better first few days in retail than Vista did when it launched, but now that the system has had a full quarter and change to make an impression, it looks as if that growth isn't slowing down. According to new figures from Net Application, Win7 is achieving a higher level of market penetration in a faster amount of time than Vista did; after a month, Vista was stuck at 0.93 percent, while Win7 nailed the 4 percent mark. After two months, Win7 jumped to 5.71 percent, while Vista was barely over 2 percent after the same amount of time. 'Course, the newest version of Windows had a holiday season to help it out right from the get-go, but there's still no denying that people are flocking to the system even now. What's most interesting, however, is that the overall market share of Windows 7 alone has now surpassed all OS X versions that are being tracked (10.4, 10.5 and 10.6), so put that in your pipe and smoke it. Smoke it long and hard.

Windows 7 way hotter than Vista off the line, now more popular than all OS X versions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applemacmicrosoftos xOsXsoftwaresurveyvistawindowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpThu, 21 Jan 2010 21:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt gets its own song and dance, humanity weeps aloud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/chevy-volt-gets-its-own-song-and-dance-humanity-weeps-aloud/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/chevy-volt-gets-its-own-song-and-dance-humanity-weeps-aloud/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/chevy-volt-gets-its-own-song-and-dance-humanity-weeps-aloud/#comments And you honestly thought you'd see a decent return-on-investment from bailing these guys out.

Continue reading Chevy Volt gets its own song and dance, humanity weeps aloud

Chevy Volt gets its own song and dance, humanity weeps aloud originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadvertisementadvertisingawesomenessAwfulTruthChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmmarketingsalesvistavoltronMon, 14 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD: Windows 7 sales 234% higher than Vista's first few days]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/windows-7-sales-234-higher-than-vistas-first-few-days-accordin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/windows-7-sales-234-higher-than-vistas-first-few-days-accordin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/windows-7-sales-234-higher-than-vistas-first-few-days-accordin/#comments Looks like Windows 7 is off to a much stronger start than Windows Vista, with the NPD Group claiming the first few days of sales saw a 234% increase over Vista's start. Part of that can be attributed to special deals and low-cost pre-sales -- total revenue was only 82% higher -- but it's hard to deny people are stoked for Windows 7. Interestingly, the PC hardware growth was actually stronger for Vista than 7 (48% year over year compared to 68% year over year), but there are enough variables at play there to make sure Microsoft won't lose sleep over it. In fact, 7's biggest threat seems to be Microsoft's other products, since Windows 7 PC sales were up against 20% of PC sales being comprised of Vista and XP computers, compared to the 6% of non-Vista PCs sold during that launch.

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NPD: Windows 7 sales 234% higher than Vista's first few days originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnpdnpd groupNpdGroupvistawindowswindows 7windows vistaWindows7WindowsVistaThu, 05 Nov 2009 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel's SSD Toolbox, firmware update promise boost in performance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/intels-ssd-toolbox-firmware-update-promise-boost-in-performan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/intels-ssd-toolbox-firmware-update-promise-boost-in-performan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/26/intels-ssd-toolbox-firmware-update-promise-boost-in-performan/#comments We won't say that we love products leaving the oven before they're completely done, but we do adore gratis firmware updates that better a product even after you've purchased it. That being said, we're actually stoked that Intel has decided to out its second major firmware update for the second-gen 34nm X25-M SSD, and unlike the first, this one has the potential to put smiles on lots and lots (as opposed to a few) faces. The newfangled SSD Toolbox includes an SSD Optimizer for the aforementioned device, which promises to help users "more effectively monitor and manage the SSD's health." It also offers a performance boost to sequential write speeds by delivering up to 100MB/sec on the 160GB model, which represents a rather substantial 40 percent uptick over the existing firmware. The best news of all? Intel's doing more than just blowing hot air, as the benchmarking gurus over at Hot Hardware found out. Hit the read link for their eye-opening analysis.

Update: Down for more benchmarks, including ones focused on TRIM testing? Good!

Intel's SSD Toolbox, firmware update promise boost in performance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>34nm34nm ssd34nmSsdbenchmarkbenchmarkedbenchmarksfirmwareintelperformancesolid state driveSolidStateDrivessdssd toolboxSsdToolboxTRIMupdatevistawindowswindows xpWindowsXpx-25mMon, 26 Oct 2009 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 student upgrade installer not working for many]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/windows-7-student-upgrade-installer-not-working-for-many/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/windows-7-student-upgrade-installer-not-working-for-many/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/windows-7-student-upgrade-installer-not-working-for-many/#comments The Windows 7 launch seems to have gone off mostly roses and sunbeams, but we're hearing today that quite a few people have had issues installing the downloadable $29 student upgrade edition on 32-bit Vista -- apparently the file doesn't unpack to an ISO, but instead to an executable and two bundles that don't function properly, and eventually the process errors out with a 64-bit app trying to launch on 32-bit systems. It's possible to create an ISO using some hackery, but the install process seems to be 50/50 after that -- we've heard of both success and further crashes. For it's part, Microsoft says it's looking into things, so hopefully a newly repackaged download will be forthcoming -- every party has its ups and downs, right?

Update: Our friends at DownloadSquad have a handy guide to making the ISO, in case you're interested -- and they say the installer does work in the end.

Update 2: We just got a tip that Microsoft is offering refunds to users who are having issues. [Thanks, Christopher]

[Thanks, Tom]

Read - Original thread
Read - Microsoft response

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Windows 7 student upgrade installer not working for many originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32-bit64-bitinstallinstallationinstallermicrosoftupgradevistawindowswindows 7windows 7 installerwindows 7 upgradewindows vistaWindows7Windows7InstallerWindows7UpgradeWindowsVistaFri, 23 Oct 2009 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple welcomes Windows 7 the only way it knows how, with a new commercial (video, updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/apple-welcomes-windows-7-the-only-way-it-knows-how-with-a-new-c/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/apple-welcomes-windows-7-the-only-way-it-knows-how-with-a-new-c/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/apple-welcomes-windows-7-the-only-way-it-knows-how-with-a-new-c/#comments Can't argue with a wig like that, right? Video after the break.

Update: Two more added. Are these still fun?

Continue reading Apple welcomes Windows 7 the only way it knows how, with a new commercial (video, updated)

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Apple welcomes Windows 7 the only way it knows how, with a new commercial (video, updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisingapplecommercialcommercialsmicrosoftos xOsXvistawin 7Win7windowswindows 7windows vistaWindows7WindowsVistaThu, 22 Oct 2009 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Software firm finds Windows 7 doesn't boot faster than Vista]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/software-firm-finds-windows-7-doesnt-boot-faster-than-vista/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/software-firm-finds-windows-7-doesnt-boot-faster-than-vista/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/software-firm-finds-windows-7-doesnt-boot-faster-than-vista/#comments
There's no question that Windows 7 promises plenty of improvements over Vista, with one of the biggest being faster boot times. While that's certainly been the experience for some, Iolo Technologies (a maker of PC tune-up software) found some significantly different results in their long term tests, which they say show that Windows 7 isn't faster than Vista at all in real world use. Specifically, they found that while Windows 7 actually got to the desktop fairly quickly, it took a full minute and 34 seconds to actually become usable, compared to a minute and 6 seconds with Vista. They also unsurprisingly found that things got worse over time, with a three-month old Windows 7 install adding a full minute to the boot time, although in that case it did actually fare somewhat better than Vista. Of course, we are talking about complete reboots here, and it's a different story when Windows 7 is simply coming in and out of sleep mode. Details on the tests are otherwise a bit light, but Iolo is promising to release its complete findings next week.

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Software firm finds Windows 7 doesn't boot faster than Vista originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootboot timesBootTimesioloiolo technologiesIoloTechnologiesmicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemvistawindowswindows 7windows vistaWindows7WindowsVistaThu, 08 Oct 2009 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Belkin's refreshed Easy Transfer Cable makes Windows 7 migration a little too easy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/belkins-refreshed-easy-transfer-cable-makes-windows-7-migration/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/belkins-refreshed-easy-transfer-cable-makes-windows-7-migration/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/belkins-refreshed-easy-transfer-cable-makes-windows-7-migration/#comments Okay, so maybe nothing can really be too easy, but Belkin's really stretching things by asserting that you need a dedicated cable to use Windows Easy Transfer, an application bundled with Windows 7 and detailed by yours truly right here. At any rate, you may recall that this very outfit milked the whole upgrade situation in a similar fashion when Vista hit the scene, and now a slightly redesigned version is out to transfer files easily between your existing Vista / XP-based machines and what will become your new Windows 7 system. Of course, this thing's really only important if you're buying a new Win7 machine rather than upgrading the rig you already own, and if you're willing to pay $39.99 to have your hand held through the migration process, you can be our guest on October 23rd.

Continue reading Belkin's refreshed Easy Transfer Cable makes Windows 7 migration a little too easy

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Belkin's refreshed Easy Transfer Cable makes Windows 7 migration a little too easy originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryBelkincableEasy Transfer CableEasyTransferCablemicrosoftmigratemigrationoperating systemOperatingSystemossoftwaretransferupgradevistawin 7win xpWin7windows 7Windows Easy Transferwindows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsEasyTransferWindowsVistaWindowsXpWinXpxpThu, 08 Oct 2009 05:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu gifts LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet with multitouch LCD]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/fujitsu-gifts-lifebook-t5010-convertible-table-with-multitouch-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/fujitsu-gifts-lifebook-t5010-convertible-table-with-multitouch-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/16/fujitsu-gifts-lifebook-t5010-convertible-table-with-multitouch-l/#comments
It's definitely not the first LifeBook to boast a multitouch panel, but given just how popular the original T5010 proved to be, we're pleasantly pleased to see the outfit bless that very convertible tablet with a touchscreen. The new dual digitizer option gives the 13.3-inch machine a whole new purpose in life, as it now supports two-finger touch (for rotating, pinching, zooming, groping, etc.) within Windows 7. Oddly enough, Fujitsu's choosing to ship this with Vista until October 22nd rolls around, so we'd advise you to hold tight for another month and change if at all possible. Everything else about the rig remains mostly the same, though the $1,759 (active digitizer) / $1,859 (dual digitizer) starting tags are actually lower than the MSRP given to the first T5010 in early 2008.

Gallery: Fujitsu gifts LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet with multitouch LCD

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Fujitsu gifts LifeBook T5010 convertible tablet with multitouch LCD originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capacitiveconvertible tabletConvertibleTabletdigitizerdual digitizerDualDigitizerFujitsulifebookLifeBook T5010LifebookT5010multitouchtablettablet pcTabletPctouchtouch paneltouch screenTouchPaneltouchscreenvistawindows 7Windows7Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 runs free without activation for 120 days with simple command]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/21/windows-7-runs-free-without-activation-for-120-days-with-simple/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/21/windows-7-runs-free-without-activation-for-120-days-with-simple/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/21/windows-7-runs-free-without-activation-for-120-days-with-simple/#commentsWe know how it is: you've paid $300 for your brand new copy of Windows 7, but what a hassle to enter in that activation code! Well, you don't have to worry about it now for a good four months after install: Microsoft has given its sort-of blessing to a simple hack to keep that non-activated copy of Windows 7 humming for a full 120 days before full-on nag mode sets in. All you have to do is enter "slmgr -rearm" into the command prompt at the end of every 30 day period, and your copy of Windows gets a whole new lease on life -- an action that can be repeated three times. The same command is available to Vista users, and we have to say that Microsoft has come a very long way since its unforgiving WGA kill switch days.

[Via Telegraph]

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Windows 7 runs free without activation for 120 days with simple command originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activationkill switchKillSwitchmicrosoftvistawgawindowswindows 7windows activationWindows7WindowsActivationFri, 21 Aug 2009 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/how-to-install-windows-7-and-live-to-tell-about-it/#comments
So you're thinking about going to Windows 7, eh? Chances are your head is swimming in a sea of TLAs and confusing charts -- enough to have the most adamant Microsoft defender reaching for a something with an Option key. Fear not, noble purchaser of legal software. Though XP users have been punished for skipping Vista by not being able to directly upgrade now, the process of backing up your data, formatting and installing Windows, and then restoring your goods again has never been easier -- even if you're on a netbook with less storage than your smartphone. Vista users have even less to worry about. We'll have our full impressions of the finally finalized OS later this week, but for now let's journey hand in hand down the gently sloped path of the upgrade process.

Continue reading How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it

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How-To: Install Windows 7 and live to tell about it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>easy transferEasyTransferfeaturefeaturedfeaturesguidehow tohow-toHowToimpressionsin-place upgradeIn-placeUpgrademicrosoft windowsmicrosoft windows 7MicrosoftWindowsMicrosoftWindows7previewupgradevisioneervistawindowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpTue, 11 Aug 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Windows 7 upgrade chart is ridiculous]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/official-windows-7-upgrade-chart-is-ridiculous/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/official-windows-7-upgrade-chart-is-ridiculous/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/official-windows-7-upgrade-chart-is-ridiculous/#comments
This is seriously Microsoft's Windows 7 upgrade chart, and it's ridiculous. It manages to highlight the insanity of shipping multiple OS versions while totally minimizing the good news: most Vista users will be able to upgrade in place to the corresponding 32- or 64-bit version of 7. That should cover the vast majority of people running Vista, but if you're still on XP or you're trying to do anything out of the ordinary you'd better get ready for some pain: all those ominous blue boxes require you to back up, wipe your drive, and reinstall a totally clean copy of 7. You heard that right -- the Windows 7 installer won't even try to retain your data and programs if you're not updating from the corresponding version of Vista. Pretty lame move, considering Microsoft is currently selling millions of copies of XP on netbooks and will sell XP downgrades until 2011 -- sure, we get that most netbook owners aren't going to spring for 7, but it's insane that you can't just pop in a disc and upgrade. Of course, now that 7's been released to manufacturing and the final bits are available there's not much to be done, so let's all just take a moment to contemplate the fact that Ed Bott at ZDNet managed to totally outdo Redmond's infographics people with a much friendlier chart with "about an hour" of work -- check it below.

Read - Original chart at AllThingsD
Read - Ed Bott's revised chart

Continue reading Official Windows 7 upgrade chart is ridiculous

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Official Windows 7 upgrade chart is ridiculous originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7microsoftupgradevistawindowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpThu, 06 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft giving Europeans with Windows XP and Vista choice of browser, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-giving-europeans-with-windows-xp-and-vista-choice-of-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-giving-europeans-with-windows-xp-and-vista-choice-of-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-giving-europeans-with-windows-xp-and-vista-choice-of-b/#comments
As it turns out, it won't just be Windows 7 that'll be giving Europeans a choice of what web browser to use. In fact, the lengths that Microsoft is going to appease the European Commission is quite extreme. Ars Technica did some digging and here's the fine print of the proposal. Within three to six months of the EC's approval, an update will be sent out to Europeans with Windows XP and Vista, labeled "high priority" or "important." User who install the update and have Internet Explorer as the default browser will see the ballot screen on next log in, which will show up to ten different browsers with at least a 0.5 percent share of the market in the European Economic Area (EEA). Users can then choose to download something new, ignore the screen, or defer until an indefinite time in the future. Windows 7 users will get the ballot update within two weeks of the Commission's decision or by its October 22nd launch, whichever comes second. Extreme? You betcha -- but we can't argue over having more choice.

[Thanks, Adrian]

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Microsoft giving Europeans with Windows XP and Vista choice of browser, too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsereceueuropeeuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionieinternet explorerInternetExplorermicrosoftmicrosoft windowsMicrosoftWindowsvistaweb browserWebBrowserwindowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpWed, 29 Jul 2009 00:33:00 EST<![CDATA[HP's ProBook 4310s ultraportable now on sale, starts at $799]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/hps-probook-4310s-ultraportable-now-on-sale-starts-at-799/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/hps-probook-4310s-ultraportable-now-on-sale-starts-at-799/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/20/hps-probook-4310s-ultraportable-now-on-sale-starts-at-799/#comments
We got a chance to toy with HP's latest "pro-level" ultraportable at the tail end of last month, and while it proved to be a bit chunky, the specs list is hard to argue with. Available now for those with at least $799 (plus applicable taxes), the ProBook 4310s can be ordered up with your choice of Core 2 Duo processor, up to 8GB of DDR3 memory, a 160/250/320/500GB SATA II hard drive, optional Blu-ray drive, a 13.3-inch LED-backlit HD display (matte or glossy), an optional ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4330 GPU, three USB 2.0 sockets, HDMI / VGA outputs, an ExpressCard socket and even a Gobi mobile broadband module if you'd like. Now that you're drooling at the thought of having one in your lap, good luck avoiding the read link for long.

[Thanks, Michael]

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HP's ProBook 4310s ultraportable now on sale, starts at $799 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4310score 2 duoCore2Duohpnow availableNowAvailableon saleOnSaleprobookprobook 4310sProbook4310ssaleultraportablevistaMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[eMachines intros ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 desktop PCs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/emachines-intros-et1300-02-et1810-01-and-et1810-03-desktop-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/emachines-intros-et1300-02-et1810-01-and-et1810-03-desktop-pcs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/emachines-intros-et1300-02-et1810-01-and-et1810-03-desktop-pcs/#comments
Just a few short weeks after eMachines outed its EL1300 line of SFF PCs, the company is hitting us up again with a new trio of full-size desktops. The ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 are all encased within a luminous white mini-tower and ship with a matching LCD monitor, speakers and a keyboard. As for specs, the $449.99 ET1300-02 checks in with an AMD Athlon X2 4850e (2.5GHz) CPU, Vista Home Premium, NVIDIA's GeForce G100 (512MB), 3GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB hard drive, 18x SuperMulti DVD burner, multicard reader, HDMI / DVI / VGA outputs and an 18-inch E182H display. The $369.99 ET1810-03 steps to a 2.2GHz Pentium E2210 CPU, GeForce 7500 integrated graphics and just a single VGA port, while the $299.99 ET1810-01 cranks it down to a 1.6GHz Celeron 420 and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. The trio should be filtering out to respected retailers as we speak.

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eMachines intros ET1300-02, ET1810-01 and ET1810-03 desktop PCs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amdathloncelerondesktopeMachinesET1300-02ET1810-01ET1810-03geforceintelnvidiaPCpentiumvistaWed, 01 Jul 2009 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Vaio P with updated 1.6GHz Atom and 128GB SSD is still weak-sauce]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/vaio-p-with-updated-1-6ghz-atom-and-128gb-ssd-is-still-weak-sauc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/vaio-p-with-updated-1-6ghz-atom-and-128gb-ssd-is-still-weak-sauc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/22/vaio-p-with-updated-1-6ghz-atom-and-128gb-ssd-is-still-weak-sauc/#comments
Sony's finally throwing US consumers a bone by offering its VAIO P with a faster "1.6GHz Atom" processor we presume to be the Z530. Model VGN-P698E also adds a 128GB SSD to the mix along with a Verizon WWAN module and GPS radio. Problem is, the US Version doesn't have an XP option like the VAIO P in Japan let alone the 1.86GHz Atom Z540 option. That means you'll be stuck watching Vista Home Premium overwhelm that Atom processor and integrated GMA500 graphics when Windows 7 and those new Tegra-based smartbooks (running CE or Android) arrive in October. Come on, don't you want a glorified $1,500 netbook?

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Vaio P with updated 1.6GHz Atom and 128GB SSD is still weak-sauce originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.6ghz128gbatomgma 500gma500pssdvaiovaio pVaioPvistaz530Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 licensing situation a "disaster" for businesses?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/windows-7-licensing-situation-a-disaster-for-businesses/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/windows-7-licensing-situation-a-disaster-for-businesses/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/18/windows-7-licensing-situation-a-disaster-for-businesses/#commentsDoom and gloom warnings about a new Microsoft operating system from some corners sure aren't anything new, but it looks like a particular licensing issue with Windows 7 could well cause some serious headaches for businesses transitioning from Windows XP. As InfoWorld reports, as things stand now, businesses that buy PCs before April 23, 2010 with Windows 7 preinstalled will have the option to downgrade them to Windows XP, which will let them upgrade to Windows 7 whenever they're finally ready to make the transition. Businesses that buy Windows 7-loaded PCs on or after April 23rd, however, will only have the option to downgrade to Windows Vista which, as Gartner analyst Michael Silver notes, is obviously of little help to XP-based organizations. Of course, Windows 7 does have its much talked about XP Mode, but Silver says that won't help many businesses since their IT departments would still be faced with the added workload resulting from managing a whole new OS. There are, however, a few workarounds, like Microsoft's Software Assurance Program, but those all involve an added cost, added work, or both.

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Windows 7 licensing situation a "disaster" for businesses? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 02:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmicrosoftvistawindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpThu, 18 Jun 2009 02:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 upgrade coupon plan gets detailed, said to be starting soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/windows-7-upgrade-coupon-plan-gets-detailed-said-to-be-starting/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/windows-7-upgrade-coupon-plan-gets-detailed-said-to-be-starting/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/12/windows-7-upgrade-coupon-plan-gets-detailed-said-to-be-starting/#comments
We've already gotten word of a few Windows 7 upgrade plans, but it looks like things are now really starting to get fleshed out, even if nothing's quite official just yet. According to PC World, at least some PC vendors will be kicking off a coupon program on June 26th, which will let folks that buy premium versions of Windows Vista upgrade to Windows 7 when it rolls out this fall. As you might expect, however, things won't be completely consistent across the board, and it won't be a free upgrade in every case either. That's partly because vendors will reportedly have to shell out between $9 and $15 per PC to include the upgrade coupon, although at least three unnamed Taiwanese PC makers will apparently be taking a hit on that cost and offering a free upgrade coupon to anyone that buys a laptop or desktop loaded with Vista Home Premium, Ultimate or Business. HP is also said to be participating in the upgrade program, although it says it won't be revealing any details until Microsoft itself officially announces the start date for the program.

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Windows 7 upgrade coupon plan gets detailed, said to be starting soon originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hpvistawindowswindows 7windows 7 upgradewindows 7 upgrade couponwindows 7 upgrade programwindows vistaWindows7Windows7UpgradeWindows7UpgradeCouponWindows7UpgradeProgramWindowsVistaFri, 12 Jun 2009 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy memo explains that Vista doesn't work, details Windows 7 upgrade plans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/best-buy-memo-explains-that-vista-doesnt-work-details-windows/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/best-buy-memo-explains-that-vista-doesnt-work-details-windows/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/05/best-buy-memo-explains-that-vista-doesnt-work-details-windows/#comments
Ouch. We're guessing this is one that the suits at Best Buy would like to have back. A leaked company memo detailing how the retailer will handle Windows 7 upgrades has accidentally given the world a tasty tidbit to opine upon. The note starts off as such:
"Microsoft is launching Windows 7 in mid-October 2009. This new operating system isn't just a "Vista that works" program - it's a new operating system with improved productivity, functionality and creativity that uses less computer resources."
Never mind the fact that we never knew an OS could posses "improved productivity" -- how about admitting that Vista, in effect, doesn't "work." Moving on, the note also makes clear that any PC sold with Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate between June 26th and the Windows 7 launch day (October 22nd) will be eligible for a free upgrade to Win7. Better still, the individual OSes also qualify for the update, and starting on June 26th, Best Buy will begin "pre-selling" the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade ($49.99) and the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade ($99.99). Have a look at the full letter below, and if you've come here for advice, here's the best we've got: don't buy a PC at Best Buy until June 26th.

Gallery: Best Buy memo explains that Vista doesn't work, details Windows 7 upgrade plans

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Best Buy memo explains that Vista doesn't work, details Windows 7 upgrade plans originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuymicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemossoftwareupgradevistaWindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpFri, 05 Jun 2009 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Vista SP2 is live, ready to download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/windows-vista-sp2-is-live-ready-to-download/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/windows-vista-sp2-is-live-ready-to-download/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/windows-vista-sp2-is-live-ready-to-download/#commentsFace it: in between waiting for Windows 7 to launch and tweaking the XP build on your newly purchased netbook, there's this little thing called Windows Vista that needs to be maintained. Today, Microsoft did its part and released the standalone installers for the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Service Pack 2 for Vista and Server 2008. Now it's all up to you. Hit the read links to patch the Wow with a little SP2 Meh.

[Thanks, Justin W.]

Read -- 32-bit
Read -- 64-bit

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Windows Vista SP2 is live, ready to download originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 07:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsmicrosoftservice packservice pack 2ServicePackServicePack2sp2vistavista sp2VistaSp2Tue, 26 May 2009 07:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony VAIO P set free with XP, still not a netbook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/sony-vaio-p-set-free-with-xp-still-not-a-netbook/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/sony-vaio-p-set-free-with-xp-still-not-a-netbook/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/sony-vaio-p-set-free-with-xp-still-not-a-netbook/#comments Fascinating. Sony just figured out a simple truth of ultra-portable computing: for all its beauty, elegant hardware packed into a diminutive chassis will never make up for a perpetually sluggish OS, at least not for long. While it comes late to this understanding, Sony is finally making XP a standard load on its new VAIO P model VGN-P50. Not exactly aspirational, mind you, and very netbook-like... but at least it gets the OS out of the way of your applications unlike the original VAIO P Vista build. Any by not having to downgrade yourselves (or upgrade to Windows 7 RC), you'll keep all of Sony's optimizations like the VAIO P's XMB interface. Starting June 6th, our Japanese friends will also see a 2GHz Atom Z550 processor bump in addition to WWAN data as standard. They'll even toss in a 256GB SSD if you tick the right box. While we'd typically expect these specs to go global, the fact that we're still stuck with a 1.33GHz processor Stateside makes us doubtful, bitter even, and more than a tad envious. Available June 6th in Japan starting at ¥85,000 (about $900).

[Via Akihabara News]

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Sony VAIO P set free with XP, still not a netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 01:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>netbookp50sonyultra-portableultraportablevaiovaio pvaio p50VaioPVaioP50vgn-p50vistawindows xpWindowsXpxpTue, 26 May 2009 01:41:00 EST<![CDATA[US Army equipping all Windows PCs with Vista by end of 2009]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/23/us-army-equipping-all-windows-pcs-with-vista-by-end-of-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/23/us-army-equipping-all-windows-pcs-with-vista-by-end-of-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/23/us-army-equipping-all-windows-pcs-with-vista-by-end-of-2009/#comments While a good number of its machines are already running the OS -- about 13 percent at this point -- the United States Army has mandated that before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, 2009 that all of its Windows-powered computers must switch from XP to Vista, presumably and hopefully with Service Pack 2. Additionally, all Office 2003 users will have to upgrade to the 2007 variant, but thankfully, someone with a little Vista experience made sure to omit standalone weapons systems from the mandate -- you know, because there's not really time to click through eight confirmation boxes when launching a time-sensitive homing missile. All jesting aside, we're flummoxed that the Army didn't just wait for Windows 7 to roll out in a few months before making this decision, but hey, what's a few more billion in upgrade costs next year, right?

[Via HotHardware]

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US Army equipping all Windows PCs with Vista by end of 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 May 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armymicrosoft windowsmicrosoft windows vistaMicrosoftWindowsMicrosoftWindowsVistamilitaryus armyus militaryUsArmyUsMilitaryvistawindowswindows vistaWindowsVistaSat, 23 May 2009 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Jury awards i4i $200 million in damages in Microsoft patent suit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/jury-awards-i4i-200-million-in-damages-in-microsoft-patent-suit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/jury-awards-i4i-200-million-in-damages-in-microsoft-patent-suit/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/21/jury-awards-i4i-200-million-in-damages-in-microsoft-patent-suit/#commentsIt's not quite on the level of some of Microsoft's past patent showdowns, but a Texas federal jury found yesterday that the company should pay a still hefty $200 million in damages to Canadian software firm i4i Ltd for some supposed wrong doing. That company had alleged that Microsoft knowingly infringed on one of its patents in both Word and Vista, which apparently concerned "manipulating a document's content and architecture separately." For its part, Microsoft unsurprisingly begs to differ, and says that "the evidence clearly demonstrated that we do not infringe and that the i4i patent is invalid," adding that it will, of course, "ask the court to overturn the verdict."

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Jury awards i4i $200 million in damages in Microsoft patent suit originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>i4ilawsuitmicrosoftpatentpatent infringmentpatent lawsuitpatent suitPatentInfringmentPatentLawsuitPatentSuitvistawindows vistaWindowsVistawordThu, 21 May 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a CableCARD into your DIY HTPC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/get-a-cablecard-into-your-diy-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/get-a-cablecard-into-your-diy-htpc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/get-a-cablecard-into-your-diy-htpc/#comments
For years now, those in power at the top of the CableCARD chain have told you that installing your own CableCARD within your own HTPC was simply impossible. "OEM or bust," they said. It's a good thing they're wrong, isn't it? Over at Engadget HD, we've assembled a guide that explains how to get your existing media center PC to play nice with a dedicated internal CableCARD tuner, and the whole process just might be easier than you've ever imagined. Give it a look right here.

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Get a CableCARD into your DIY HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CableCARDDIYguidehdtvhow-tohtpcinstallmedia centermedia center pcmedia pcmedia pcsMediaCenterMediaCenterPcmediapcmediapcsOCUROTAtv tunerTvTunervistawindowsTue, 12 May 2009 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Sanyo's LP-WXU700 projector is first to stream HD video over 802.11n WiFi]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/sanyos-lp-wxu700-projector-is-first-to-stream-hd-video-over-802/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/sanyos-lp-wxu700-projector-is-first-to-stream-hd-video-over-802/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/sanyos-lp-wxu700-projector-is-first-to-stream-hd-video-over-802/#comments True, Sanyo's LP-WXU700 is limited to a WXGA (1280 x 800) pixel image. But it's still the world's first to transmit that video over 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.0). Grabbing wireless video off your Vista PC is a snap thanks to the projector's Windows Embedded CE 6.0 software with Video Streaming Function that links back to Vista's Network Projector Function. Spec-wise we're looking at a 0.74-inch 3LCD panel capable of projecting a 100-inch image at a distance of 2.5 to 4-meters at 3,800 lumens with a 500:1 contrast ratio. Sanyo even tosses in a single HDMI jack in addition to the usual analog inputs. While, it's targeted at offices and schools, it wouldn't surprise us to see this ¥62,790 (about $642) projector show up in make-shift home theaters and gaming rooms when it launches in June.

Update: Oops, dropped a 0 from the price. It's actually ¥627,900 or about $6,445 according to the native English press release but even that doesn't sound right.

[Via Akihabara News]

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Sanyo's LP-WXU700 projector is first to stream HD video over 802.11n WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3lcd802.11nce 6.0Ce6.0hdjapanlp-wxu700other hardwareotherhardwareothersprojectorsanyovistawifiwxgaTue, 12 May 2009 07:37:00 EST