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Crysis Steam sale activation key issue resolved
On Friday, the first Crysis game and its expansion were discounted on Steam as part of an "EA Week" of sales. That night, on the Steam Users' Forums, purchasers began reporting that they could not activate the games. By the next morning, some 221 replies later, a Valve representative chimed in to say, "We are aware of the problem and are investigating the issue." While it might have been a long weekend for those left waiting for their activation keys to start working, this morning, Valve software developer Mike Blaszczak started a new thread with some reassuring news. "We've been working with EA to get the Crysis keys enabled over the weekend," he posted. "As EA enables keys, users should see the games activate." Blaszczak implied that the issue stemmed from EA's side, adding, "EA is aware of the issue and actively working through it, and we're doing what we can to assist." In a follow-up response he confirmed, "Yes, we know the cause," but avoided an explanation. As of publishing, a few users had replied to say their games were now working, though Blaszczak warned, "No ETA is available for individual users." [Thanks, Martin] [Update: Corrected headline typo. (Freudian slip!)]
Verizon waives Xoom and Galaxy Tab activation fees on contracts from March 1st in a limited time offer
In an unforeseen act of generosity, Verizon has decided to scrap the $35 activation fee it charges with purchases of the 3G-equipped Motorola Xoom and Galaxy Tab tablets, leaving customers' wallets a little heavier and hearts a little lighter. This change will be effective on month-to-month contracts starting from the first of this month or later -- meaning a nice little refund for anyone acquiring an Android tablet through Big Red after March 1st -- however we're also hearing it'll be a limited time offer. The intel has been communicated via email to Mobile Burn, and Droid-Life has also obtained a document saying as much, while we're in the process of confirming it ourselves. All the same, it looks safe to get the (modest) celebrations going.
Visualized: Android activations mapped geographically, chronologically, breathtakingly (video)
Do you ever wish for an easier way to show your uninitiated friends what you mean when you say Android is growing? Well, here's the video for you: a Google-produced map of the world that throbs with Android activations over time, highlighted by some truly eye-opening flourishes in the immediate aftermath of marquee handset launches. The Google guys have even given us handy countdown timers -- "Droid launch in 3, 2, 1..." -- and broken things down by continent for easier viewing. Only thing missing is a soundtrack, so just have your Tron: Legacy OST loaded up and ready before jumping past the break. [Thanks, Leo Z.]
Verizon charging for one month's data with Samsung Galaxy Tab, too?
Looks like Verizon's idea of levying mandatory data fees on tablet buyers may be a global thing -- not only will new Xoom owners have to activate and pay for a month of data, but an eagle-eyed tipster sent in this image of a Best Buy price tag that confirms the very same for Samsung's Galaxy Tab. There's nothing to suggest that WiFi-only versions of either tablet would be subject to the surcharge -- with these cellular variants, we can almost understand -- but we don't see 3G iPads carrying mandatory activations, so what's the deal, Verizon? [Thanks, Brian R.]
Galaxy Tab hitting AT&T on November 21st for a $649 premium?
It's not official but that image above sure as hell looks like an official AT&T training document. AT&T already announced that it would carry the Samsung Galaxy Tab but has been coy with details about launch date, pricing, and custom apps. Now, if the screengrab above can be believed, we know that it'll hit AT&T shops on November 21st for a "HQ recommended" price of $649.99 without contract and featuring the same data plans (250MB for $14.99 per month or 2GB for $25 per month) AT&T offers alongside its $629 16GB WiFi + 3G iPad offering. Right, that's 20 bucks and change more for half the display and $50 more than the base price of T-Mobile's or Verizon's Galaxy Tab offering. Of course, AT&T will preinstall the Nook eReader and the AT&T Account Manager app for on-device activation and monthly credit refills. Not sure that's worth the premium though. Hold tight to see how this plays out as we should see an official pricing and launch date announcement any day now.%Gallery-107189% [Thanks, tipster]
Rumor: Apple, Gemalto working on integrated SIM
GigaOM is reporting on a rumor that Apple has been working with security firm Gemalto, a simcard manufacturer, to create a software-reconfigurable SIM that will be directly integrated into future European iPhones. The iPhone would then be activated on the carrier of your choice by downloading a carrier-specific app from the App Store, instead of the traditional activation methods. Essentially, Apple wouldn't have to worry about bundling carrier-specific SIMs with the iPhone and end-users would have only virtual contact with the carriers. Something Google tried to do with the Nexus One. This would make the overall purchase of an iPhone from Apple's Online Store, or Apple's brick-and-mortar stores, a much simpler and smoother process for the end-user -- whilst cutting out the retail aspect that carriers currently hold. Although, I can't imagine carriers not wanting to sell the iPhone directly from their retail stores since the iPhone is such a hot commodity these days. It'll be interesting to see how this one pans out. [via Engadget]
The ever-growing iTunes basket
The Guardian puts to words something I've been thinking for a long time: that iTunes is actually Apple's weakest link. You'd be forgiven for believing the opposite -- iTunes is arguably Apple's strongest brand, given that it encompasses all of the "mobile device company's" products, and remains the springboard for all iPhones, iPods, and iPads, even across into Windows-land. I'm sure there are even non-Apple customers that use iTunes to organize and share their music. So, there's no question that iTunes is a powerful component of Apple's success so far. But at the same time, it's become a crutch. As John Naughton says, this is "feature creep on an heroic scale." The application was started as SoundJam, meant specifically for music playback, but at this point, iTunes serves as a movie and TV rental service, a music recommendation service, a phone activation service, the largest mobile software platform in the world, a contact sync app, a media sharing app, an e-book marketplace, a podcasting service, backup software, and oh yeah, now it's the home base for what's supposed to be a scalable music-based social network. When you think about it that way, the new logo wasn't nearly different enough. Apple's walking a tightrope here -- on the one hand, why not put all of your eggs in the basket that's free to download and easy to use? Why not allow the piece of software everyone has to do everything you want everyone to do? It's a Trojan horse writ large -- give the software away, and sell the hardware that works with it. But on the other hand, the name "iTunes" doesn't stand for half of what that app does these days, and anyone who's ever tried to organize or update a couple hundred apps from within iTunes itself knows that there must be a better way. [via Cult of Mac]
Code shows future iOS devices currently in testing
I don't know how much of a newsflash it really is that Apple is working on brand new versions of the iPhone and iPad, but just in case you thought that the current iterations were the last, let's set the record straight. Code in the latest iOS release shows that Apple is currently working on "unreleased hardware." The code, which bypasses the required iTunes activation, assuming that you have the right hardware, tends to show up before an iPhone revision -- in other words, while the new hardware is out, about, running the iOS system, and in testing. The code then disappears as the hardware goes off to launch. The code does mention "iPhone 3,2," "iPhone 3,3," and "iProd 2,1," but those names don't tell us anything about the actual hardware, just that they'd be new versions, obviously. And we've seen these names before hidden in iOS documentation, so these aren't new developments -- whatever these versions are, Apple has been working on them for a while. Still, if you haven't been following along over the last few iterations of the iPhone, yes, we can tell you that we'll see new iOS devices at some point in the future. Maybe someone will even leave one sitting around a bar.
New iPhone, iPad model codes set up for iTunes activation bypass -- CDMA versions, maybe?
So BGR's got a tipster lined up with alleged details from within iOS 4 beta firmware that shows a section dedicated to bypassing the usual iTunes activation scheme for three new product codes: iPhone3,2, iPhone 3,3, and iProd 2,1. Actually, these product codes aren't "new," per se; we saw all three of them in the iPad's firmware back in April, but they've yet to make the giant leap to officialdom. What's different here, then? Well, apparently, this activation-bypass scheme has historically had a tendency to show up in Apple's beta firmware right around the time a new iPhone goes into testing -- ostensibly so that field engineers don't need to worry about that rigmarole to do their jobs -- which suggests that these new models are getting ready for action. BGR's source says these will be the CDMA iPhone and the next-gen iPad, though you can't tell that from the product codes alone, and that doesn't explain why we've actually got two new iPhones listed. For what it's worth, the current iPad -- iPad1,1 -- used to go by the moniker iProd1,1 in firmware, so it stands to reason that we really are looking at a new tablet here. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some Verizon Wireless field tech van recon to do.
Have your Droid X already? Verizon figured out how to activate it
Word on the street is that only 170 Droid X handsets have leaked out from the mothership so far, but in the off chance you're in that elite group of early early adopters, it seems Verizon has cured a snag that was preventing you from activating the phone on its network. As of Friday afternoon, it's said that "system provisions were put in place" to allow the beasts to be used the way Motorola intended, so go forth and put that crusty old V3m out of its misery. Oh, and as for the rest of you: well, keep on waiting a few more days. [Thanks, Ben R.]
EVO 4G launch day antics: Sprint's computers overwhelmed, Radio Shack listing CDMA iPhones?
You might imagine that we're getting a pretty wild variety of EVO 4G-related tips today, seeing how it's launch day and all -- but a couple really stood out for us: Sprint's activation system is apparently buckling under the pressure, an issue that's giving us nightmarish flashbacks to iPhone launches of days gone by. We've even heard reports of poor shoppers being "turned away" when reps are stymied by the situation. A wildly successful product is both a blessing and curse, is it not? One corporate store clerk says Sprint's system is now entirely down, and employees are being forced to write receipts by hand. "We have sold out (and pretty fast at that), but can't do anything at this point, not even a bill pay," he adds. We've gotten multiple tips saying that Radio Shack now lists a $400 early termination fee in its contract for the iPhone on Verizon and Sprint. Our guess is that this is just some generic verbiage, not a sign of an impending CDMA launch, but you never know. One tipster said his EVO came with a Samsung microSD card, rather than a SanDisk. We don't know what to make of that, as it was far too late for HTC to head off storage bugs at the pass. Keep us updated with your launch day travails, folks! [Thanks to everyone who sent these in]
Windows 7 Activation Technologies Update now live, ready to be dodged
Remember that polarizing Windows 7 Activation Technologies Update we told you about? You know, the one that helps you to "verify that the copy of Windows 7 that is running on your computer is activated correctly and is genuine?" It's available for download now through Windows Update, and it's not particularly easy to spot. The main label simply says "Update for Windows 7," though we'd be sure to avoid KB971033 if you weren't up for having this thing looking into your business. Your call, though. [Thanks, Elijah and bighap]
Windows 7 Activation Technologies Update coming down the pike, will tell you things you (should) already know
Wondering why your PC has been infested with malware, random popups, intermittent shut downs and all sorts of other atypical garbage since the day you installed that downloaded copy of Windows 7? In case you aren't capable of determining that your copy of Windows isn't genuine (as in, you didn't buy it from a legitimate source), Microsoft is about to lend you a serious hand. In the "coming days," the software behemoth will be pushing out a new update for Windows Activation Technologies, which will look for over "70 known and potentially dangerous activation exploits." It sounds as if the update is intended to alert folks who purchased complete PCs from the back of their local White Van that they may have gotten ripped off, but either way, we're not particularly stoked about having yet another item running in the background, consuming system resources and telling us that we've been naughty. Thankfully it's a voluntary update, but keep your eyes peeled if you don't want to okay the installation accidentally. [Thanks, Troy]
Recycle that contract-free iPhone as a holiday gift
We're sure this will be a hit for the holiday season: Apple recently updated one of the iPhone support articles, explaining how you can continue using an iPhone as a quasi-iPod touch, if you no longer have a cellphone contract with your carrier. Let's give an example: Your iPhone 3G contract was eligible for the upgrade pricing not too long ago, so you purchased an iPhone 3GS. You have your old iPhone 3G lying around the house with no purpose. Obviously, you could try and sell it... but maybe your child has been begging you for an iPod touch for Christmas. Apple wants to see these devices be re-used and not thrown into the trash, so they've outlined how to activate your iPhone (1st gen, 3G or 3GS) in the article. It all boils down to this: never get rid of your SIM card. For the iPhone 1st generation, you have to keep the original SIM card in place at all times. Without this, it will not activate in the next software update. The iPhone 3G and 3GS do not need a SIM card installed for day-to-day use. However, you still need a SIM card for the required activation after a software update. This differs a bit from the iPhone 1st generation: with the iPhone 3G and 3GS you can use any SIM card from your authorized carrier. Either way, it's silly not to leave the SIM card in each generation of iPhone as long as you don't need the SIM card for your new phone. Now you won't get stuck at the "Connect to iTunes" screen forever.
Apple aims to ease iPhone purchasing at the Apple Store
While Apple has taken many steps to make the iPhone easier and more available to purchase, Apple could take more steps to make the process easier and quicker. MacRumors is reporting that Apple is about implement "iPhone Activation Zones" inside Apple Stores. They would included employees, which will be known as "iPhone Experts," who will be identified by unique clothing and name tags, and will be dedicated to activating and setting up iPhones for customers. Also, customers would be able to pre-authorize their purchase online and have their iPhone almost ready for them to purchase in-store. These optimizations could come as early as tomorrow, so keep your eye out for any changes.
Windows 7 runs free without activation for 120 days with simple command
We 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]
Windows 7 activation already cracked with Lenovo's OEM license key
Sort of funny that Microsoft made a big show of handing over the Windows 7 RTM code to Lenovo and other manufacturers last week -- the first activation crack for the OS has just appeared, and it's based on Lenovo's OEM license key. Oops. The crack apparently works with 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 Ultimate, and it apparently passes Genuine Advantage, so things are looking good for all you wannabe pirates out there. You did buy an upgrade disc, though, right? [Via DownloadSquad]
iPhone 3G S buying at the Walt Whitman Mall, Huntington, NY
I just got back from the Apple Store and am now the proud owner of an iPhone 3G S 32 GB in basic black. I can't wait to get at it, but before dive in, I want to write a bit about the experience.Driving to the Apple store at the Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington, NY, I drove past an AT&T store which had no line and very few cars in the parking lot. When I got to the Apple store, it was a different story. There was a bit of a line or actually two lines, but nothing big. When I got to one of the Apple reps at the start of the line, I was asked if I pre-ordered. I had, and my name was on the list. I was told to stand on a line of only five people, the other line of people who had no pre-ordered numbered fourteen. It was about 1:50 pm when I got there and I was curious to see how the Apple experience would differ from what I was accustomed to. The last few times I bought a cellphone, it was a slow, laborious process where the store rep had to take a ton of information from me, get a credit check, wait, find a phone, wait, get more information from me, wait, take the phone to the back to infuse it with life by chanting arcane spells and pushing arcane buttons, wait, hear a canned sales pitch on how the phone would be absolutely no good without a dozen or so accessories that they would be very happy to sell me, refuse, wait, sign a sheave of documents, wait, get the okay, a shopping bag and a receipt and finally leave the story after well over an hour. Let's see how Apple does it.While waiting in the line with a bottle of Poland Spring Water given to me by an orange-shirted rep, I struck up a conversation with Angelo Vergara who was trading in his three month-old 16 GB model for the same capacity in a 3G S. He told me a story that made me do a double-take. Angelo could have upgraded a year ago according to his contract, but didn't. Instead, he bought his iPhone 3G a few months ago. To upgrade it would cost him $399. That sounded a bit steep. I asked him why he couldn't just cancel his contract, sell the 3G iPhone and pay the early termination fee, and then start a new contract along with paying only $199 for his new phone. He told me that doing so would lose his phone number which he was not wont to do. The net dollars spent would be close, but it seems like he was caught in an odd concatenated AT&T policy. When I got to the front of the line, I asked Jane, my sales rep if this was, in fact, policy and she told me it was. Seems somewhat fishy though.
Activate your iPhone from home
For me, the best part of buying my original iPhone was the activation process. After giving the guy at the AT&T Store my money, he popped my unopened iPhone into a bag and sent me on my way.Once I was home, I connected my precious to my iMac, launched iTunes and, about fifteen minutes later, she was up and running. That was the glory of at-home activation. Some say it was only a legend. Since then, Apple changed their policy to require in-store activations. Meaning, AT&T customers must pick up their iPhones at their stores. Fortunately, that's changing. AT&T is now offering to ship iPhones to customers who have completed an online registration, which includes signing up for a 2-year contract. In fact, if you order your phone before 4PM Central time, you can enjoy overnight shipping.Happy shopping![Via MacNN]
T-Mobile G1 up and running with no activation
It looks like getting up and running on an unactivated G1 is going to be a little easier than Apple made it for iPhone users. No jailbreak required. All you really need to do is beg, steal or borrow an active T-Mobile SIM card and slip it in the phone for the duration of the setup process (it should only take a few minutes). Once you've enabled WiFi you can go back to your old SIM: you're ready to browse the web, run your apps and do everything you expect your Android-powered phone to do (except talk on the phone). If you'd like to get in on this action, check out the read link for the step-by-step instructions.
