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[Ariel Atom-inspired simulator touts world's first 180-degree spherical projector screen (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/ariel-and-motion-simulation-tl1-race-simulator/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/ariel-and-motion-simulation-tl1-race-simulator/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/ariel-and-motion-simulation-tl1-race-simulator/#comments Image

The Ariel Atom is arguably one of the greatest bangs for the buck in terms of sports car performance, so it's no surprise that the automaker has paired up with Motion Simulation to design a particularly special simulator for both hardcore fans as well pro racing drivers and pilots. The TL1 has the world's first 180-degree spherical projection unit (technically, three projector screens acting as one) to give you that advance view of the apex without display bezels getting in the way. Its seat not only adjusts to fit different breeds of cars and aircraft but, if you opt for it, tucks in a motion transducer that will properly jolt you when you hit a bump in the road. What may please extra-serious racing game fans the most is the off-the-shelf nature of the computer needed to drive the TL1 properly: as long as your graphics hardware can handle the extra-wide 5760 x 1200 resolution, any typical Windows XP or Windows 7 desktop will do. The real question is whether your wallet can handle it, as the £11,500 ($18,573) PC-less starting price will make it tempting to buy a real Atom instead.

Continue reading Ariel Atom-inspired simulator touts world's first 180-degree spherical projector screen (video)

Ariel Atom-inspired simulator touts world's first 180-degree spherical projector screen (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arielariel atomArielAtomatomcarcarsdriveDrivingflightflight simulatorFlightSimulatorhdpostcrossmotion simulationmotion simulation tl1MotionSimulationMotionSimulationTl1pcraceRacingsimulatortl1windows 7windows xpWindows7WindowsXpSat, 05 May 2012 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/windows 8-media-center-dvd-blu-ray-dolby/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/windows 8-media-center-dvd-blu-ray-dolby/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/05/windows 8-media-center-dvd-blu-ray-dolby/#comments

If you have to issue an explanation to follow up an explanation, then it's pretty safe to say the first one wasn't clear enough, and it's under those circumstances that Microsoft's Steven Sinofsky and the Windows 8 team are returning to the subject of Media Center and DVD movie support. After addressing both a few days ago, the internet backlash was (predictably) quick to finding out that Media Center would be available only as an upgrade to the Pro version of the OS, and that without it Windows wouldn't natively play DVDs. What many may not know however, and the new FAQ points out, is that this is not an entirely new thing -- Windows XP did not have support outside of specialized editions or add-ons, several versions of Vista did not play DVDs and on Windows 7 the Basic and Starter editions lacked the add-on. Of course, for most users this doesn't matter in the least since brand new PCs tend to ship with third party software to play DVDs (or Blu-ray movies where applicable, which no version of Windows has or will natively support). Answering the question we had of what this means for users upgrading their own computers, they'll either need to see if they have existing third party software to play DVDs that is compatible with Windows 8, or acquire Media Center post-upgrade.

Continue reading Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it

Microsoft talks DVD, Media Center support in Windows 8 and why most won't miss it originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raycablecardcodecdvdhdpostminihtpclicensingmedia centermedia pcMediaCenterMediaPcmicrosoftwindows 7windows 8Windows 8 Media Centerwindows media centerwindows vistawindows xpWindows7Windows8Windows8MediaCenterWindowsMediaCenterWindowsVistaWindowsXpSat, 05 May 2012 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Flight reinvents itself as free-to-play simulator (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-flight/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-flight/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/29/microsoft-flight/#comments
Microsoft's Flight Simulator has long prodded gamers to splash out on hardware upgrades and insane joysticks. Like Madonna, it's reinvented itself for the 21st century as a single-named free-to-play game for those who want to zoom around the skies of Hawaii. The company will make its money by selling premium add-ons including new aircraft and "adventure packs." The game is now ready for download (at the source link) and, if it proves popular, Redmond should expect a nice gift basket from AMD and NVIDIA this Christmas.

Continue reading Microsoft Flight reinvents itself as free-to-play simulator (video)

Microsoft Flight reinvents itself as free-to-play simulator (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ControllerFlightFlight Sim ControllerFlightSimControllerFree to PlayFreeToPlayJoystickMicrosoftMicrosoft FlightMicrosoft Flight SimulatorMicrosoftFlightMicrosoftFlightSimulatorminipostOnline GameOnlineGameSimulatorvideoWindowsWindows 7Windows XPWindows7WindowsXpWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:45:00 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[APK puts Windows 95, 98 and XP, plus Linux on the EVO 3D]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/apk-puts-windows-95-98-and-xp-plus-linux-on-the-evo-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/apk-puts-windows-95-98-and-xp-plus-linux-on-the-evo-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/apk-puts-windows-95-98-and-xp-plus-linux-on-the-evo-3d/#comments And here you thought Microsoft bringing Windows 8 to ARM was big news. Turns out, a member of the xda-developers forum has managed to make an APK that puts a variety of Redmond's x86 operating systems on the HTC EVO 3D and its 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon silicon -- Windows 95, 98, XP and even your favorite flavor of Linux are all available for the three dee-equipped handset. All you need to do is install the Bochs Pentium emulator APK and the OS disk image of your choice, modify a couple files, and you'll be doing yesteryear's desktop computing on a handheld in no time. Feeling nostalgic? Detailed instructions how to do it yourself and the necessary files can be found at the source link below, but all we want to know is: does it do the blue screen of death or the force close dance when things go awry?

APK puts Windows 95, 98 and XP, plus Linux on the EVO 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apkarmbochsevo 3dEvo3dhackhackshtc evo 3dHtcEvo3dlinuxmobilepostcrossqualcommsnapdragonsoftwarewindowswindows 95windows 98windows on armwindows xpWindows95Windows98WindowsOnArmWindowsXpx86Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows XP turns 10, enjoys its golden years and slow transition into retirement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/windows-xp-turns-10-enjoys-its-golden-years-and-slow-transition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/windows-xp-turns-10-enjoys-its-golden-years-and-slow-transition/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/windows-xp-turns-10-enjoys-its-golden-years-and-slow-transition/#comments Windows XP It's hard to believe that it was ten years ago today that Windows XP first hit retail shelves. It's even more astonishing when you realize that it was still the most popular operating system in the world until the beginning of this month. The sun may finally be setting on the stalwart OS that has powered countless home and business PCs (it crossed the 400 million mark way back in 2006), but it's still number two -- right behind it's youngest brother Windows 7 and well ahead of the black sheep, Vista. Sure, our relationship with Microsoft's OS has had its ups and downs, but it's clear we've developed an attachment to the ol' bird. After all, consumer demand kept it shipping on PCs until late 2010 and Redmond has pledged to support it until April 8th of 2014. If nothing else, XP will be remembered for its incredible resilience.

[Thanks, Jacob]

Windows XP turns 10, enjoys its golden years and slow transition into retirement originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 years10th anniversary10thAnniversary10Yearsanniversarymicrosoftmicrosoft windowsmicrosoft windows xpMicrosoftWindowsMicrosoftWindowsXpredmondtenth anniversaryTenthAnniversarywindowswindows xpWindowsXpxpTue, 25 Oct 2011 20:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 overtakes XP globally, Vista found weeping in a corner]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/windows-7-overtakes-xp-globally-vista-found-weeping-in-a-corner/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/windows-7-overtakes-xp-globally-vista-found-weeping-in-a-corner/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/windows-7-overtakes-xp-globally-vista-found-weeping-in-a-corner/#comments According to StatCounter, it's taken roughly two years for Redmond's latest to surpass XP and become the world's most popular operating system. October 2011 marks the first time that Windows 7 has overtaken XP globally, with a 40 percent share of the market versus the latter's 38. As for Vista, it's been holding steady at around 11. Not that it's much of a surprise, as in North America, Windows 7 took the crown back in April of this year. Rounding out the top five, are OS X (though it's not clear whether that captures all of Cupertino's beasts) and Linux, which come in at 7 and 0.82 percent respectively. But don't take our word for it, hop on over to the source links and get your interactive chart on.

[Thanks, Pipera]

Windows 7 overtakes XP globally, Vista found weeping in a corner originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10.610.7desktop operating systemDesktopOperatingSystemmac os xMac OS X LionMac OS X Snow LeopardMacOsXMacOsXLionMacOsXSnowLeopardmarketsharemicrosoftmicrosoft windowsmicrosoft windows 7microsoft windows xpMicrosoftWindowsMicrosoftWindows7MicrosoftWindowsXpoperating systemOperatingSystemOSstatisticswindowswindows 7windows xpWindows7WindowsXpSat, 15 Oct 2011 13:23:00 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[Windows XP users will finally need to upgrade to enter the iCloud]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/windows-xp-users-will-finally-need-to-upgrade-to-enter-the-iclou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/windows-xp-users-will-finally-need-to-upgrade-to-enter-the-iclou/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/windows-xp-users-will-finally-need-to-upgrade-to-enter-the-iclou/#commentsThis got a bit lost amid all the WWDC 2011 hubbub earlier this week, but Apple quietly delivered a bit of bad news to steadfast Windows XP users with its iCloud announcement. Unlike its MobileMe service and recent versions of iTunes, which have somewhat surprisingly supported Windows XP all this time, use of Apple's iCloud service on a PC will require either Windows Vista or Windows 7. Of course, XP users shouldn't feel too bad about being left behind -- as TUAW notes, Apple's only extended support for the Mac version of iTunes 10.3 back to OS X 10.5, which was just released in 2007 (when Windows XP was already starting to tell other upstart operating systems to get off its lawn).

[Thanks, Stephen]

Windows XP users will finally need to upgrade to enter the iCloud originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiclouditunesitunes in the cloudItunesInTheCloudwindows xpWindowsXpxpFri, 10 Jun 2011 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition not seen in Android File Transfer, Windows usability is spotty]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/google-i-o-gaffe-galaxy-tab-10-1-limited-edition-wont-work-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/google-i-o-gaffe-galaxy-tab-10-1-limited-edition-wont-work-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/google-i-o-gaffe-galaxy-tab-10-1-limited-edition-wont-work-wit/#comments You know what's cool? Handing out 5,000 Android tablets to your most loyal developers at Google I/O. You know what's not cool? Handing out 5,000 Android tablets that can't have files loaded onto them. Believe or not, that's exactly what happened at this week's I/O conference, where hordes of developers were handed a Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition that cannot currently interface with OS X, and has a whale of a time doing so with Windows 7. During our initial preview of Music Beta, we noticed that our MacBook Pro (OS X 10.6) wouldn't actually recognize the tablet, even after installing Android File Transfer. Given that we didn't actually need that functionality for the purpose of said article, we threw it on the backburner.

For those unaware, Android File Transfer is a small app that's required to transfer content between OS X and Android 3.0. Avid users of Froyo and Gingerbread may be appalled that any Honeycomb device they buy will require a piece of software to interface with it, but hey -- there it is. At any rate, it seems to us that the latest build of Android File Transfer doesn't include the device ID for Samsung's heretofore unreleased Tab 10.1; if you'll recall, the standard edition of this thing isn't slated to hit consumer hands until June 8th. Regardless of what tricks we tried (installing a Mac version of Kies Mini, for example), we couldn't get a single Apple in our stable to recognize the thing. In one instance, a Mac viewed the device as a "Samsung Modem" within the Networking pane -- that's as close as we could come to getting the two to mingle. AllThingsD's Ina Fried said her Tab 10.1 LE was merely recognized as a camera-like device within Aperture.

Over on the Windows side, things are only marginally less awful. We've had a couple of Wintel boxes outright refuse to play nice with this "mysterious USB device," while others required multiple reboots and driver searchers to finally mount it as an external storage device -- and only with USB Debugging disabled. The upside is that those with patience (and a Windows 7 rig) can look forward to a single method of transfer, but it's certainly less than ideal.

We're surmising that Google's cooking up a new version of Android File Transfer as we speak that'll take care of the compatibility issues, hopefully long before consumers start seeing these in early June. But for developers in the here and now? Stop wasting your afternoon trying to figure out why your Mac just won't cooperate, and give that Win7 system a little love.

Update: After a bit of additional digging, we noticed that it's possible to access the Tab's file system from a Mac or Windows PC by using the Android SDK, putting the tablet in USB debugging mode, and running ddms. It's not the most convenient solution if you want to quickly and conveniently transfer some content to / from the device, but it should work until AFT sees an update. Alternatively, we're hearing that XNJB -- an older open source project originally built for Creative Nomads -- enables files to be transferred whenever it's in a good mood.

Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition not seen in Android File Transfer, Windows usability is spotty originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid file transferAndroidFileTransfercompatibilitygalaxy tabgalaxy tab 10.1galaxy tab 10.1 limited editionGalaxyTabGalaxyTab10.1GalaxyTab10.1LimitedEditiongooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011GoogleIoGoogleIo2011hands-onissuekiesmacMTPos xOsXproblemsamsungwindowswindows 7windows xpWindows7WindowsXpFri, 13 May 2011 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 closes gap with XP, is poised to steal top market share this month]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/windows-7-closes-gap-with-xp-is-poised-to-steal-top-market-shar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/windows-7-closes-gap-with-xp-is-poised-to-steal-top-market-shar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/11/windows-7-closes-gap-with-xp-is-poised-to-steal-top-market-shar/#comments As recently as a year ago, Windows XP was the kingpin of PCs in the US with 43.1 percent market share. But that's rapidly changing. StatCounter shows that while Mac OS X is creeping up slightly and Windows Vista continues its death march, Windows 7 is on the rise, steadily closing the gap with trusty ole' XP. Last month, XP's share sank to 32.17 percent, while Windows 7's edged up to 30.84 percent, leaving the latter poised to overtake XP -- something the much-maligned Vista never did. And if early numbers are to be believed, it's already happened: StatCounter says that for the first week in April Windows 7's share (among desktops, at least) totaled 31.71 percent, compared with XP's 31.56. Either way, it seems Microsoft has convinced consumers that it's finally safe to upgrade.

Windows 7 closes gap with XP, is poised to steal top market share this month originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mac OS XMacOsXmarket shareMarketShareMicrosoftoperating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemsOSPCStatCounterStatistics CanadaStatisticsCanadastatsWindowsWindows 7Windows VistaWindows XPWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpMon, 11 Apr 2011 11:26:00 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[Firefox 4 beta 5 for mobile released, available on Android, N900, your computer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/firefox-4-beta-5-for-mobile-released-available-on-android-n900/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/firefox-4-beta-5-for-mobile-released-available-on-android-n900/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/firefox-4-beta-5-for-mobile-released-available-on-android-n900/#comments
Tired of using the default browser on your smart phone to browse Engadget? Got a thing for Firefox? Great, 'cause Mozilla just pushed out the fifth beta of Firefox 4 for mobile. You might be familiar with the on-the-go version of Mozilla's creation, but if not, here's your chance to grab the latest (and probably) the most stable build to date. In addition to the Android and Maemo version, the company has released a Fennec build for use on Windows, OS X and Linux.

We tinkered with the OS X build of the browser on our Macbook Pro and although pages appear to render quickly, we can't quite figure out how to navigate backwards. You can pinch-to-zoom with the trackpad and scroll with the d-pad, but once you've loaded a page, it seems you need to be on a mobile device do any further navigation. Of course, as you'll see in the gallery below, the beta comes packed with the usual -- preferences, downloads, add-ons, bookmarks and Firefox Sync. If you want to give the software a whirl, hit the source link to grab the build of your choice.

Gallery: Firefox 4 beta 5 for mobile hands-on

Firefox 4 beta 5 for mobile released, available on Android, N900, your computer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbetabeta 4Beta4browserfirefoxfirefox betafirefox for mobilefirefox mobileFirefoxBetaFirefoxForMobileFirefoxMobilehands-onlinuxmac os xmac osxMacOsxmaemomozillan900nokiaos xOsXsmartphonewindowswindows 7Windows7windowsxpFri, 25 Feb 2011 10:09:00 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[Windows XP partially re-created in LittleBigPlanet 2, ups the stakes for gamer ambitiousness (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/windows-xp-partially-re-created-in-littlebigplanet-2-ups-the-st/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/windows-xp-partially-re-created-in-littlebigplanet-2-ups-the-st/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/windows-xp-partially-re-created-in-littlebigplanet-2-ups-the-st/#comments

We've seen an CHIP-8 emulator and even a virtual CPU built inside games, but we've yet to encounter a game recreation of Windows. Thanks to a quartet of industrious LittleBigPlanet 2 beta players, though, we can now finally check that off in our copy of 100 Geeky Projects You Must Witness Before Dying. As the video above shows, major Windows functions they've emulated to date include a working start menu and mouse cursor, multiplayer support for a variety of bloatware games, and even the good ole' blue screen of death. That's pretty impressive stuff from an ambitious platforming title that won't officially ship until mid-January. Needless to say, once the full version arrives, we expect to see a working copy of Lion running stat. You heard us folks -- we're setting the bar that high.

Windows XP partially re-created in LittleBigPlanet 2, ups the stakes for gamer ambitiousness (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chip-8console gamesConsoleGamesemulatoremulatorsgamesLittle Big PlanetLittle Big Planet 2little big planet 2 betaLittleBigPlanetLittleBigPlanet2LittleBigPlanet2BetaMicrosoftplatform gamePlatformerPlatformersPlatformGameplatformsPlayStationPlaystation3SONYwindowswindows emulatorwindows xpWindowsEmulatorWindowsXpSat, 01 Jan 2011 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Hitachi ships Deskstar 7K3000 and 5K3000 HDDs, 3TB XL external drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/hitachi-ships-deskstar-7k3000-and-5k3000-hdds-3tb-xl-external-d/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/hitachi-ships-deskstar-7k3000-and-5k3000-hdds-3tb-xl-external-d/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/hitachi-ships-deskstar-7k3000-and-5k3000-hdds-3tb-xl-external-d/#commentsThree. It's a magical number, you know? Hitachi GST sure feels that way, and the company is today introducing a trio of three terabyte storage solutions. First up is the 3TB Deskstar internal HDD kit, which apparently shatters the 2.2TB capacity limit on 32-bit Windows XP systems without any extra hardware required. For those who've graduated to more modern systems, there's the new 3TB Hitachi XL USB 2.0, an external archive solution designed to be sat horizontally or vertically and operate with both PC and Mac platforms. Lastly, the company is finally shipping the 7K3000 and 5K3000 internal hard drives to OEMs and channel partners, but the 3TB version of the latter won't hit until next quarter. As for pricing? All's quiet on the western front... save for that XL, anyway -- that one's going for $249.99 (3TB), $169.99 (2TB) and $99.99 (1TB).

Continue reading Hitachi ships Deskstar 7K3000 and 5K3000 HDDs, 3TB XL external drive

Hitachi ships Deskstar 7K3000 and 5K3000 HDDs, 3TB XL external drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.2tb3tb5K30007K3000Deskstarhard driveHardDrivehddhitachihitachi xlHitachiXlstorageusb 2.0Usb2.0windows xpWindowsXpWed, 15 Dec 2010 03:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ITG xpPhone on sale at long last!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/itg-xpphone-on-sale-at-long-last/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/itg-xpphone-on-sale-at-long-last/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/18/itg-xpphone-on-sale-at-long-last/#comments Feel like stretching the very definition of "phone" for the sake of functionality or sheer bravado? You get to be friends with us. We've always had a soft spot for ITG's bizarrely conceived xpPhone, which does indeed run Windows XP, albeit the Embedded version, and the monstrous thing is now on sale after almost two years of teasing. It's running for a mere $798 PayPal Bux in its 3G incarnation, $732 for 3G-free, and $666 (yes, that 666) for the 3G-less version with DOS instead of Windows. We could go on all day listing specs for this thing, so we recommend you hit up that source link and feast on them for yourselves -- just make sure to have your PayPal login handy for when the irresistible nerdery of this thing reaches out and grabs you and never ever lets go.

[Thanks, Eman Z]

ITG xpPhone on sale at long last! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>itgitg xpphoneItgXpphonewes 2009Wes2009windows xpwindows xp embeddedWindowsXpWindowsXpEmbeddedxpphoneThu, 18 Nov 2010 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell lays down the law: no more Windows XP shipments after October 22nd]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/dell-lays-down-the-law-no-more-windows-xp-shipments-after-octob/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/dell-lays-down-the-law-no-more-windows-xp-shipments-after-octob/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/08/dell-lays-down-the-law-no-more-windows-xp-shipments-after-octob/#commentsMicrosoft already informed its most moneyed partners that no more systems could leave their labs after October 22nd with Windows XP, but given that the proverbial boy has cried wolf before, we were inclined to think that we'd eventually face yet another push back. We guess there's still a few ticks of the clock left between now and that fateful day, but there seems to be little hope for XP to live on in any significant form beyond the aforesaid date. Dell has just published a report noting that they will stop offering XP on new machines later this month in preparation for October's cutoff, though they're quick to point out that Microsoft will continue Windows XP driver support until December 2012. For the average consumer, that means you've got just over a month to get whatever XP-equipped systems you want from Dell; for select "qualified customers," they will still be able to snag XP machines post-October 22nd through the company's Custom Factory Integration service. Hit the source link for all the details, and feel free to pour one out for a waning OS. We can shed a few more tears next month.

Dell lays down the law: no more Windows XP shipments after October 22nd originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathdellkillkilledmicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemOSsoftwarewin xpwindowswindows xpWindowsXpWinXpxpWed, 08 Sep 2010 21:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Android-booting Acer Aspire One D255 extensively demoed, yet far from loved on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/android-booting-acer-aspire-one-d255-extensively-demoed-yet-far/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/android-booting-acer-aspire-one-d255-extensively-demoed-yet-far/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/19/android-booting-acer-aspire-one-d255-extensively-demoed-yet-far/#comments Acer's just told us that it has "no imminent plans" to bring the dual-booting Android and Windows XP Aspire One D255 stateside, and after seeing an in-depth video (no, really it's 14 minutes long!) of the 10-inch netbook in action we can't say we're all that upset about the news. Yep, the NetbookNews team snatched up a light blue version of the new netbook in Taipei, and though they were impressed with the thin design and included case, they had less positive things to say on the software end. Not only is the Windows XP desktop ridden with crapware, but the Android implementation is still half baked. Similar to the first generation Acer Aspire One D250, the Android 2.1 interface is really only good for searching the web and checking e-mail since it doesn't have access to the Market. Of course, we urge you to sit back and watch the lengthy hands-on video after the break to make your own call on this $299 lappie, but ultimately, we're assuming you'll have the same question as us: Acer, how's that Chrome OS netbook coming along?

Continue reading Android-booting Acer Aspire One D255 extensively demoed, yet far from loved on video

Android-booting Acer Aspire One D255 extensively demoed, yet far from loved on video originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer aspire oneAcerAspireOneandroidandroid 1.6Android1.6aspire oneaspire one d255AspireOneAspireOneD255d255netbookvideowindows xpWindowsXpThu, 19 Aug 2010 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer Aspire One D255 netbook dual boots Android and XP for about $375]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/acer-aspire-one-d255-netbook-dual-boots-android-and-xp-for-about/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/acer-aspire-one-d255-netbook-dual-boots-android-and-xp-for-about/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/05/acer-aspire-one-d255-netbook-dual-boots-android-and-xp-for-about/#comments Attending the Taipei Computer Applications Show today? Lucky you. Then be sure to pick up your specially priced Acer Aspire One D255 netbook with dual booting Android and XP operating systems before leaving the venue. Otherwise, the NT$9,500 (about $300) 10.1-inch netbook configured with an Atom N450 processor, 1GB of DDR2 memory, 160GB hard disk, and 3-cell battery (with optional 6-cell) will cost you NT$11,900 (about $375) when it hits traditional retail channels sometime in the days ahead.

Acer Aspire One D255 netbook dual boots Android and XP for about $375 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 02:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer aspire oneAcerAspireOneandroidaspire oneaspire one d255AspireOneAspireOneD255atom n500AtomN500Computer Applications ShowComputerApplicationsShowd255dual bootDualBootn550netbookTaipei Computer Applications ShowTaipeiComputerApplicationsShowwindows xpWindowsXpxpThu, 05 Aug 2010 02:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft says 74 percent of work PCs still use Windows XP, extends downgrade rights (update 2)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/microsoft-says-74-percent-of-work-pcs-still-use-windows-xp-exte/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/microsoft-says-74-percent-of-work-pcs-still-use-windows-xp-exte/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/microsoft-says-74-percent-of-work-pcs-still-use-windows-xp-exte/#comments The latest Microsoft operating system may be selling seven copies a second, but it's no match for the behemoth Windows XP, still the most popular OS in the world despite recent nefarious attempts (we kid) to invoke spontaneous shutdowns, slow hard drives and trigger blue screens. In fact, a Microsoft exec admitted today that practically three-quarters of business computers still run the nine-year-old OS on hardware averaging 4.4 years old, and Computerworld's now reporting Microsoft will extend XP's lifespan through 2020 as a result. "Going forward, businesses can continue to purchase new PCs and utilize end user downgrade rights to Windows XP or Windows Vista until they are ready to use Windows 7," an official Windows blog post reads. We've heard the reluctance to upgrade is due to a reliance on older software and the cost of additional IT, but it probably doesn't hurt that Microsoft doggedly keeps distributing the OS despite the other choices on offer. Perhaps the futuristic Windows 8 will finally win the workplace over, but it seems Redmond's hedging its bets on this one. Look on the bright side: this way, when intelligent robots battle for control of the moon, at least the wrathful victors will still be vulnerable to the blue screen of doom.

Update: So it seems as if that 2020 date is incorrect, according to Microsoft's PR team. We're presently waiting for an official update of some sort, and will let you know if / when we get it. Don't worry about the robots -- we've got top men working on Plan B.

Update 2: The official Windows Team Blog has stepped forward to reduce the confusion, but they've only toned it down a tad. Microsoft won't commit to an exact date for Windows XP downgrade availability, saying instead that you can trade in your OEM copy of Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate until the company stops selling it... which is presently slated to be two years after Windows 8 ships... whenever that is. Find the complete non-committal statement at the more coverage link.

Microsoft says 74 percent of work PCs still use Windows XP, extends downgrade rights (update 2) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessMicrosoftoperating systemoperating systemsOperatingSystemOperatingSystemsossalesshockerstatisticsWin XPWindowsWindows 7WIndows XPWindows7WindowsXpWinXpworkworkplaceXPMon, 12 Jul 2010 22:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: no more Windows XP on new netbooks after October 22, really]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/microsoft-no-more-windows-xp-on-new-netbooks-after-october-22/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/microsoft-no-more-windows-xp-on-new-netbooks-after-october-22/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/microsoft-no-more-windows-xp-on-new-netbooks-after-october-22/#comments
It's easy to lose track of the number of times that Windows XP has been proclaimed dead, but it looks like this particular cut-off date is indeed the real thing -- Microsoft is now reminding OEMs that they'll no longer be able to install Windows XP Home on new netbooks after October 22nd of this year. The venerable operating system could all but disappear from new netbooks well before then, however, considering that Microsoft itself notes that a full 81% of netbooks sold as of April of this year shipped with some form of Windows 7 pre-installed. There are still some Windows XP-based netbooks floating around out there though, so snap one up while you can if you don't feel like reverting back to the OS yourself.

Microsoft: no more Windows XP on new netbooks after October 22, really originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnetbookoemoperating systemOperatingSystemoswindowswindows xpwindows xp homeWindowsXpWindowsXpHomeFri, 11 Jun 2010 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[ITG xpPhone functioning at Computex, we go head-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/itg-xpphone-functioning-at-computex-we-go-head-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/itg-xpphone-functioning-at-computex-we-go-head-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/01/itg-xpphone-functioning-at-computex-we-go-head-on-video/#comments We've been hearing about / poking fun of ITG's xpPhone since June of last year, but amazingly enough, we'd yet to actually see one in the flesh until today. Slyly stuck in the back corner of Microsoft's Computex booth were a trio of xpPhones, at least one of which was shockingly functional. As the story goes, the company has decided to axe Windows XP in favor of a much more lightweight version of WinXP Embedded, and responsiveness seemed suitable enough given the circumstances. And by "circumstances," we mean "the outrageous size." You see, we've no qualms making and receiving calls on an ultra-sleek Dell Streak, but this bad boy was pushing a solid inch in thickness. Sure, there's a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, optical sensor and integrated Bluetooth, but that hardly makes it viable in a world where smartphones are thinner than wallets and full-fledged laptops are rolling in at under 10mm. During our time with the device, we found the display to be surprisingly crisp, and while our finger presses were easily recognized, the omission of an accelerometer, the tremendous size, inexcusable weight and the tremendous size kept us from falling head over heels. We will say, though -- it'd make a darn good weapon should someone pull a fast one in the alley, and we'd probably buy one for kicks at under $150. Comedy ensues after the break.

Continue reading ITG xpPhone functioning at Computex, we go head-on (video)

ITG xpPhone functioning at Computex, we go head-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDITGmicrosoftphonevideowindows 7windows 7 embeddedwindows 7 embedded compactwindows xpWindows7Windows7EmbeddedWindows7EmbeddedCompactWindowsXpXpPhoneTue, 01 Jun 2010 10:08:00 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[McAfee patches customers' hearts with subscription extension, reimbursement for PC repairs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/mcafee-patches-customers-hearts-with-subscription-extension-re/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/mcafee-patches-customers-hearts-with-subscription-extension-re/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/27/mcafee-patches-customers-hearts-with-subscription-extension-re/#commentsMcAfee's little issue with a security update that sent Windows XP computers far and wide to a screeching halt was fairly unprecedented as far as anti-virus software goes, and it looks like the company is now taking some considerable steps to make up for the mess it created. Not only is it handing out a free two-year subscription extension to all affected customers, but it will soon be starting a program to reimburse "reasonable expenses" that customers have incurred in repairing their PCs. Complete details on that program aren't available just yet, but it will apparently be starting "within a few days," and will involve submitting a reimbursement request to McAfee. Given the number of users involved, however, we've got to guess that McAfee won't be buying folks new PCs, and chances are it'll take quite a while to get your check in the mail, though we'll just have to wait to see exactly what McAfee has planned.

McAfee patches customers' hearts with subscription extension, reimbursement for PC repairs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-virusbugerrormcafeesecuritysvchostsvchost.exeviruswindowswindows xpwindows xp sp3WindowsXpWindowsXpSp3Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Botched McAfee update shutting down corporate XP machines worldwide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/mcafee-update--shutting-down-xp-machines/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/mcafee-update--shutting-down-xp-machines/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/mcafee-update--shutting-down-xp-machines/#commentsWe can't officially confirm this yet but, We're hearing from all over that a bad McAfee for Windows XP update is causing computers worldwide to shut down. Apparently DAT update 5958 deletes the svchost.exe file, which then triggers a false-positive in McAfee itself and sets off a chain of uncontrolled restarts and loss of networking functionality. Yeah, wild -- Twitter is basically going nuts, and McAfee's support site appears to be down. There are some fixes floating around out there, but it may be too late -- the final tally of borked PCs today may reach into the millions. We've already heard anecdotally that an Intel facility has been affected, as well as Dish Network call centers, and we're sure there are going to be more reports as the day wears on.

Update: McAfee just sent us a statement -- they've pulled the update from their corporate download servers, and consumers shouldn't be affected.
McAfee is aware that a number of customers have incurred a false positive error due to incorrect malware alerts on Wednesday, April 21. The problem occurs with the 5958 virus definition file (DAT) that was released on April 21 at 2.00 PM GMT+1 (6am Pacific Time).

Our initial investigation indicates that the error can result in moderate to significant performance issues on systems running Windows XP Service Pack 3.

The faulty update has been removed from McAfee download servers for corporate users, preventing any further impact on those customers. We are not aware of significant impact on consumer customers and believe we have effectively limited such occurrence.

McAfee teams are working with the highest priority to support impacted customers and plan to provide an update virus definition file shortly. McAfee apologizes for any inconvenience to our customers
Ouch -- that might be the understatement of the year. We've definitely hearing this affects SP2 as well, we'll keep looking for more.

Update 2: The anecdotal numbers keep rolling in, and they're not small -- 30,000 machines are knocked out here, 60,000 there. Given that the only fixes right now involve techs spending time with each affected machine individually, things could get seriously messy. We'll keep you updated if you keep us updated, okay?

Update 3: Here's an official McAfee fix, although like we said, it requires tech to hit each machine in person. We'll see what the story is for bigger institutions with tens of thousands of seats.

Update 4: We're told the official fix only helps those who haven't been hit with the bug yet, so there's obviously still issues to be sorted out. [Thanks, Tyler.]

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Developing...

Botched McAfee update shutting down corporate XP machines worldwide originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsbugbugserrormcafeesp3svchostsvchost.exeupdateviruswindowswindows xpwindows xp sp2windows xp sp3WindowsXpWindowsXpSp2WindowsXpSp3xpWed, 21 Apr 2010 13:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Hiton HT-960 tablet rocks HP Slate's specs, $100 cheaper price]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/hiton-ht-960-tablet-rocks-hp-slates-specs-100-cheaper-price/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/hiton-ht-960-tablet-rocks-hp-slates-specs-100-cheaper-price/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/08/hiton-ht-960-tablet-rocks-hp-slates-specs-100-cheaper-price/#commentsHiton HT-960 tablet rocks HP Slate's specs, $100 cheaper price Right now HP's Slate is looking like it'll possess a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, and an 8.9-inch 1024 x 600 touchscreen, all for somewhere between $549 and $599. What we have here is another tablet offering almost identical netbook-like specs (though with only 16GB of SSD storage compared to HP's 32+) at a price of just $418. That's quite a savings if you can get over the rather chunkier styling -- and the unfortunate Windows XP install. You can even get 3G wireless for an extra $80 if you're so inclined, and according to the site it's available to ship right this very moment. But, after the recent issues with another no-name tablet, we'd think twice before dropping our credit card on this particular order form.

[Thanks, Dan]

Hiton HT-960 tablet rocks HP Slate's specs, $100 cheaper price originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8.9-inchatomhitonhiton ht-960HitonHt-960ht-960intel atomIntelAtomkirftabletwindows xpwindows xp tabletWindowsXpWindowsXpTabletThu, 08 Apr 2010 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Omnimo: desktop Windows given fashion makeover with Phone 7 Series flair]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/omnimo-desktop-windows-given-fashion-makeover-with-phone-7-seri/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/omnimo-desktop-windows-given-fashion-makeover-with-phone-7-seri/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/omnimo-desktop-windows-given-fashion-makeover-with-phone-7-seri/#comments Can't wait for Windows Phone 7 Series, but can't hack the emulator, either? Don't lose hope, Windows junkies -- you can still bring some semblance of WP7S order into your life with this Metro UI-inspired desktop HUD. Based on the open-source desktop customization platform Rainmeter, the "Omnimo UI" will overlay your desktop with a minimalist, tiled interface not unlike the one you've been drooling over for weeks, with live hooks into many useful services (including Gmail, iTunes, Steam, Twitter and SpeedFan) as well as the usual widgets and a host of program shortcuts. The best news of all? It's available now for all versions of Windows since XP, completely free of charge; simply follow the source links or flit over to Lifehacker, where good folks will teach you how it's done.

Omnimo: desktop Windows given fashion makeover with Phone 7 Series flair originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegmailHUDinterfaceituneslifehackermakeovermetroMetro UIMetroUiomnimoOmnimo UIOmnimoUiRainmeterSpeedfansteamtiletilestwitteruiuser interfaceUserInterfacewidgetsWindowsWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone 7 SeriesWindows XPWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7SeriesWindowsXpwpwp7WP7STue, 30 Mar 2010 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Win XP needs some TLC to use next-gen hard drives]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/win-xp-needs-some-tlc-to-use-next-gen-hard-drives/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/win-xp-needs-some-tlc-to-use-next-gen-hard-drives/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/12/win-xp-needs-some-tlc-to-use-next-gen-hard-drives/#commentsSolid state drives may be the fast-moving wave of the future in PC storage, but the technology for bigger and better magnetic media keeps on trucking. Only recently, that truck hit something of a pothole: the 4096-byte sector size that will allow advanced format drives to have more usable space (and surpass the current 2TB capacity limit) doesn't play nice with the world's most popular OS -- Windows XP. While manufacturers like Western Digital have already introduced software that successfully combats the problem, the new drives perform poorly in Win XP without it, and rival manufacturer Seagate told the BBC that even with software tricks, XP users should expect the occasional 5ms delay, or 10% speed reduction, during write times. Is this the end of Windows XP? Hardly. Should you make sure to install the software that comes with your next hard drive? Absolutely.

Win XP needs some TLC to use next-gen hard drives originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4096advanced formatAdvancedFormatseagatewestern digitalWesternDigitalWin XPWindowsWindows XPWindowsXpWinXpXPFri, 12 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft tells IE faithful on Windows XP to avoid F1 key]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/microsoft-cautions-ie-faithful-on-windows-xp-to-avoid-f1-key/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/microsoft-cautions-ie-faithful-on-windows-xp-to-avoid-f1-key/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/microsoft-cautions-ie-faithful-on-windows-xp-to-avoid-f1-key/#comments Still hanging around on Windows XP? Perfectly acceptable. Still using Internet Explorer to browse the world wide web? Just a wee bit less forgivable, but we understand that some of you simply can't get around it. If we just rung your bell, you might want to rip the F1 key right off of your keyboard (at least temporarily), as a recently discovered vulnerability in VBScript -- which can only bother Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 -- could allow malicious code to weasel its way right into your life with a single keystroke. As the story goes, some ill-willed web sites are encouraging users to smash the F1 key in order to access a Microsoft Help file, and when said key is depressed, "arbitrary code could be executed in the security context of the currently logged-on user." Microsoft has promised to fully investigate and resolve the issue in due time, but 'til then, we'd highly suggest avoiding your F1 key like the plague switching to Firefox.

Microsoft tells IE faithful on Windows XP to avoid F1 key originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>errorf1hackhackersieie 6ie 7ie 8Ie6Ie7Ie8internet explorerinternet explorer 8InternetExplorerInternetExplorer8microsoftoperating systemOperatingSystemOSproblemsecuritysoftwaresolutionVBScriptsvulnerabilitywindows xpWindowsXpwinxpTue, 02 Mar 2010 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[XP downgrade lawsuit thrown out, MS lawyers celebrate rare victory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/xp-downgrade-lawsuit-thrown-out-ms-lawyers-celebrate-rare-victo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/xp-downgrade-lawsuit-thrown-out-ms-lawyers-celebrate-rare-victo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/xp-downgrade-lawsuit-thrown-out-ms-lawyers-celebrate-rare-victo/#commentsXP downgrade lawsuit thrown out, MS lawyers celebrate rare victoryIt's hard to imagine a more busy team of lawyers than those on-staff at Microsoft, and while the news isn't always good for them, today they can hold their heads high as a lawsuit filed last year alleging that MS was profiting from so-called "downgrade fees" has finally been dismissed. US District Court Judge Marsha Pechman found that the plaintiff, Emma Alvarado, didn't prove Microsoft was in any way gaining value from these charges. In fact the downgrade fee to move to XP was, in this case, being charged by Lenovo, not Microsoft, and was to cover the additional time it took to physically install that OS over the standard (at the time) Vista. In other words Alvarado missed the mark and in the process surely cost taxpayers and Microsoft thousands and thousands of dollars. Hooray!

XP downgrade lawsuit thrown out, MS lawyers celebrate rare victory originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lawsuitlenovomicrosoftmicrosoft lawsuitMicrosoftLawsuitwindows vistawindows xpwindows xp downgradeWindowsVistaWindowsXpWindowsXpDowngradexp downgradeXpDowngradeTue, 02 Mar 2010 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft confirms rootkit caused Windows XP blue screens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/microsoft-confirms-rootkit-caused-windows-xp-blue-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/microsoft-confirms-rootkit-caused-windows-xp-blue-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/microsoft-confirms-rootkit-caused-windows-xp-blue-screens/#commentsMicrosoft confirms rootkit caused Windows XP blue screens When malware writers fail to generate clean, reliable code, just who can you trust? On the heels of many Windows XP 32-bit users facing blue screen of death errors and unwanted reboots, Microsoft is now confirming that there's a little bit of malicious code sitting at the root of it all. A rootkit, to be specific, one called Alureon that compromises the atapi.sys file and others. This rootkit makes a system call via an address that, after the update, no longer corresponds to the particular call Alureon is trying to make. This is apparently the cause of the BSODs, not the update itself, and so those suffering from similar issues can resolve them by simply replacing corrupted system files via the recovery console. It won't be as much fun as using Microsoft's more popular console, but should at least cure what ails you.

Microsoft confirms rootkit caused Windows XP blue screens originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alureonblue screen of deathBlueScreenOfDeathbsodmicrosoftmicrosoft windows xpMicrosoftWindowsXprootkitsystem updateSystemUpdateupdatewindowswindows updatewindows xpWindowsUpdateWindowsXpxpFri, 19 Feb 2010 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows XP patch fiasco gets even crazier, Microsoft now scrambling for solutions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/windows-xp-patch-fiasco-gets-even-crazier-microsoft-now-scrambl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/windows-xp-patch-fiasco-gets-even-crazier-microsoft-now-scrambl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/13/windows-xp-patch-fiasco-gets-even-crazier-microsoft-now-scrambl/#comments If you ever needed a reason to go Linux, here you go. The noise surrounding this patently obscure Windows XP bug / patch fiasco has just reached a fever pitch, and now we've got engineers within Redmond scratching their heads, too. As the story goes, Microsoft recently patched a security hole that took care of an antediluvian DOS vulnerability, and in doing so, some users began to see BSODs and endless reboots. Today, we've learned that the patch has been yanked, and Microsoft is suggesting that malware is to blame. But here's the skinny -- the patch simply disturbed the malware, which called a specific kernel code that directs your PC to keel over; in other words, any application that calls that same code could theoretically leave your machine in dire straits. And that, friends, probably explains the software giant's following quote:
"In our continuing investigation in to the restart issues related to MS10-015 that a limited number of customers are experiencing, we have determined that malware on the system can cause the behavior. We are not yet ruling out other potential causes at this time and are still investigating."
Rock, meet hard place.

Windows XP patch fiasco gets even crazier, Microsoft now scrambling for solutions originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue screen of deathBlueScreenOfDeathBSODbugDOSerrorfirmwarefixmicrosoftpatchpulledrebootsoftwareupdatewin xpwindowswindows xpWindowsXpwinxpxpSat, 13 Feb 2010 00:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch for ancient DOS bug in latest Windows XP update causing blue screen errors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/patch-for-ancient-dos-bug-in-latest-windows-xp-update-causing-bl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/patch-for-ancient-dos-bug-in-latest-windows-xp-update-causing-bl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/11/patch-for-ancient-dos-bug-in-latest-windows-xp-update-causing-bl/#comments Looks like Patch Tuesday turned into BSOD Tuesday for some Windows XP users -- Microsoft's latest security updates for the venerable OS are causing blue screens and endless reboots for people. That's the word according to a growing support thread on Microsoft's site -- and making matters just slightly worse / funnier, it's apparently the patch for that 17-year-old DOS vulnerability that's causing all the trouble. You win some, you lose some, right? Microsoft's identified a fix for those with access to an XP install disc and an optical drive, but that leaves most netbook users out in the cold -- and considering netbooks are where most of the recent XP action's been going down lately, we're hoping a better solution comes down the pike soon.

P.S.- That's the BSOD tattoo guy in the photo -- remember him?

[Thanks, HyperSl4ck3r]

Patch for ancient DOS bug in latest Windows XP update causing blue screen errors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue screen of deathBlueScreenOfDeathbsodbugbugsdosdos bugDosBugerrorKB977165microsoftpatchPatch TuesdayPatchTuesdaysecurity updateSecurityUpdatesoftwareupdatewindowswindows xpWindowsXpxpThu, 11 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS Eee Top ET1610PT with Atom D410 shows up in online support pages]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/asus-eee-top-et1610pt-with-atom-d410-shows-up-in-online-support/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/asus-eee-top-et1610pt-with-atom-d410-shows-up-in-online-support/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/08/asus-eee-top-et1610pt-with-atom-d410-shows-up-in-online-support/#comments While it doesn't seem to be available to order yet, ASUS' first Pine Trail-equipped nettop is close enough to release that the Taiwanese manufacturer has let some of its specs loose already. What we know so far is that it'll come with Intel's Atom D410 CPU, 802.11b/g/n wireless, six USB ports, a 5-in-1 card reader, and a webcam -- all while keeping Windows XP's dreams of immortality alive. The 1610 will be a 15.6-inch all-in-one, like its predecessor, with the T model offering optional touchscreen functionality. It's hard to argue that the new Atoms offer any great performance gains, but then ASUS is not expected to charge any premium relative to its older models, making this a desirable, albeit incremental, upgrade.

[Thanks, Sal]

ASUS Eee Top ET1610PT with Atom D410 shows up in online support pages originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-oneasusasus eee topAsusEeeTopatomatom d410AtomD410desktopeee topeee top et1610peee top et1610ptEeeTopEeeTopEt1610pEeeTopEt1610ptet1610pet1610ptgma x3150GmaX3150intelnettoppine trailPineTrailpineviewwindows xpWindowsXpMon, 08 Feb 2010 04:49:00 EST<![CDATA[HP's 8440 and 8540 EliteBooks ready to ship with Core i7 inside]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/hps-8440-and-8540-elitebooks-ready-to-ship-with-core-i7-inside/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/hps-8440-and-8540-elitebooks-ready-to-ship-with-core-i7-inside/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/hps-8440-and-8540-elitebooks-ready-to-ship-with-core-i7-inside/#comments HP promised us a mobile workstation refresh in February, and sure enough, today we are staring down the retail pages for its quartet of upgraded business laptops. The new top of the line EliteBook models come in 14- (8440p/w) and 15.6-inch (8540p/w) varieties, with the w-appended models sporting appropriately beefed up NVIDIA Quadro FX graphics with up to 1GB of dedicated GDDR5. If you want to grab one for under a grand, you'll have to make do with the reasonably powerful Core i5-520M / 2GB DDR3 RAM combo, but we're most excited by the future customization options, which include a low-voltage Core i7-820QM CPU with 8MB of internal cache, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 256GB in SSD storage. Course, we can't put prices to these spectacular beasts just yet, as HP is still only offering preconfigured rigs, but we think it'll be less than five figures.

[Thanks, Jared]

HP's 8440 and 8540 EliteBooks ready to ship with Core i7 inside originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8440p8440w8550p8550wcore 2010core icore i5core i7Core2010CoreICoreI5CoreI7desktop replacementDesktopReplacementelitebookelitebook 8440pelitebook 8440welitebook 8550pelitebook 8550wElitebook8440pElitebook8440wElitebook8550pElitebook8550welitebookshphp elitebookHpElitebookintellaptoplaptopsmobile workstationMobileWorkstationnvidiaquadro fxQuadroFxwindows 7windows xpWindows7WindowsXpworkstationWed, 03 Feb 2010 03:09:00 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[ViewSonic VPC08 MID/phone appears on video, fails to steal xpPhone's thunder]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/viewsonic-vpc08-mid-phone-appears-on-video-fails-to-steal-xppho/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/viewsonic-vpc08-mid-phone-appears-on-video-fails-to-steal-xppho/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/21/viewsonic-vpc08-mid-phone-appears-on-video-fails-to-steal-xppho/#comments Maybe it's all the talk of the ITG xpPhone that's made ViewSonic's VPC08 come out of hiding, but the phone/MID contraption is finally making a video appearance and revealing why it's so damn thick. Unlike the xpPhone the VPC08 is actually an ordinary feature phone with a 2-inch display stuck on top of an Atom Z500-powered 4.3-inch MID. Uh, innovative? Not so much since it doesn't appear that the two work in conjunction, but we do know that the phone supports EV-DO, and that the MID portion packs 512MB RAM, an 8GB SSD with Windows XP, and WiFi. For those that are at all interested in holding this mega-device up to an ear, it looks like it will be sold only in China for a whopping 4800 Yuan ($705). No word if that price includes pants with extra-large pockets. We'll be waiting for the Moorestown-powered LG GW990 to get Atom in a phone, but we do urge you to check out this beast of a "phone" in action in the video after the break.

Continue reading ViewSonic VPC08 MID/phone appears on video, fails to steal xpPhone's thunder

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ViewSonic VPC08 MID/phone appears on video, fails to steal xpPhone's thunder originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomfeature phoneFeaturePhoneintel atomintel atom z500IntelAtomIntelAtomZ500midmid phoneMidPhonephoneViewSonicviewsonic midviewsonic vpc08ViewsonicMidViewsonicVpc08vpc08windows xpWindowsXpxpphoneThu, 21 Jan 2010 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[ITG xpPhone gets a price, more pretty pictures]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/itg-xpphone-gets-a-price-more-pretty-pictures/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/itg-xpphone-gets-a-price-more-pretty-pictures/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/itg-xpphone-gets-a-price-more-pretty-pictures/#comments
If you're China-based and you think there might be an xpPhone in your future, we've got some news for you: according to an email from ITG, the device will cost from 3,000 - 4,500 Chinese RMB (or about $400 - $650), depending on options. Funny how the world works -- put Windows XP on a laptop and it's yawn city, then you go and put the same OS on a handset and the thing is a bona fide curiosity. We also have a few new shots of the thing, and now we're we won't be stingy with 'em. Take a look below to get your Ya-Ya's out.

Gallery: ITG xpPhone gets a price, some more pretty pictures

ITG xpPhone gets a price, more pretty pictures originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonehandheldhandsetitgitg xpphoneItgXpphonemicrosoftwindows xpWindowsXpxpphoneMon, 18 Jan 2010 15:45:00 EST