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Microsoft gets big support for Mobile Broadband enhancements in Windows 7
Just in case Microsoft hadn't locked down enough support for Windows Mobile at MWC last week, the company also managed to shake hands with a slew of PC makers in order to extend support for Mobile Broadband enhancements within Windows 7. It's still quite unclear what all this means, but we're guessing that the likes of Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Fujitsu will happily support WWAN modules from Huawei, Option, Qualcomm, Sierra Wireless and ZTE. The writeup also gives us reason to believe that WWAN connections will be more tightly integrated than before, possibly even showing up alongside potential WiFi hotspots when looking for a wireless connection. At any rate, we're all about getting a signal regardless of location, so we'll take this as a definite positive despite the glaring dearth of details.[Thanks, Jacob]
Rumor mill says public Windows 7 Release Candidate coming on April 10th
Ars Technica is reporting that several sources are now pointing to a likely Release Candidate build of Windows 7 being made publicly available on April 10th. While we can't attest to the probability of this occurrence... occurring on that date, they're also reporting that the development team's progress is confirmed as being on track for that date, so we'll just have to wait with breath bated to see if the unicorn (our term for the OS) appears then or not.[Via Ars Technica]
Windows Media Center gets channel logos, finally
We're a big fan of Windows Media Center around here -- where else can you get a truly multiroom DVR solution after all -- but for whatever reason there are a few glaring missing features that have kept us scratching our heads for years. One item on that list that we can finally check off in Windows 7 is channel logos. Sure, this wasn't as high on our list as dual live buffers or the ability to record the Live TV buffer, but it is a welcomed addition. What we still can't figure out though, is why Microsoft hasn't added this years ago? And even more so, why even now is a 3rd party that got it to work? The good news is that My Channel Logos for 7MC is not only a free plug-in, but open enough that you can add your own logos -- this has some particularly interesting uses for those channels your significant other likes, but you don't.
ASUS announces WiMAX-equipped Eee PC 1000HG
Despite the fact that LTE looks to be the de facto standard for next-gen mobile data, ASUS has an unwavering love affair with WiMAX. In fact, we've already seen the company introduce a WiMAX-equipped laptop, and a WiMAX-enabled Eee PC was demoed way back at CES 2008. That said, the company is just now getting around to producing a new one for the adoring public, but for whatever reason, it's not even boasting about it. Tucked deep, deep within a release gloating about the Eee PC 1003HA and T91's ability to handle Windows 7 Beta is the promise of an Eee PC 1000HG. Said netbook will include both WiMAX and WiFi capabilities -- or, more specifically, IEEE 802.16e, WAVE2 and WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n support in the 2.4GHz~2.7GHz and 5.1GHz~5.8GHz bands. Of course, "future" could mean "we'll release this in late 2019," but we're banking on hearing more details sooner rather than later.
High schoolers grill Microsoft's Robbie Bach on Zune, Windows
As we've learned over the past 72 hours, Microsoft is clearly changing its approach to the Zune. And connected TV. And just about every other entertainment-related aspect of its business. As it seeks to better connect people via its software and devices (and make "The Social" something worth showing up to), Robbie Bach has explained that the company's new retail focus actually has a lot to do with it. The bigwig recently sat down in front of 150 students in order to take questions and relive some childhood memories, and given that kids always say the darnedest things, it's not shocking to hear that some of the conversation was awkward, if not comical. Point blank, Bach was asked if Windows 7 would be better than Vista, and he expectedly shot back with "Windows 7 is a huge step forward." There's far too much dialogue to cover in this space, but if you're looking for a little insight from the top, feel free to wade through the read links below.[Via CNET]Read - High school questionsRead - Retail thoughtsRead - More retail thoughts
Windows 7 upgrade details released?
The kids over at Tech Arp got their hands on a draft of Microsoft's Windows 7 upgrade scheme. According to the the document, titled "The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.1," Vista machines purchased from participating vendors after July 1st will be eligible for an upgrade to the new OS, whenever it comes out -- in a similar manner to the XP - Vista switchover. The idea here is to forestall a sales slump in the lead up to the new OS release. Upgrades will be tier-for-tier, with Vista Home Premium users getting to switch up to Windows 7 Home Premium when the time is right, Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional, and Vista Ultimate users getting an upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. Additionally, 32-bit to 64-bit upgrades will not be allowed -- but folks using the 32-bit version will get to perform a clean install of the 64-bit version, if that's what their heart desires. Lastly, a system that has a valid Vista license but is running XP under the downgrade scheme will be allowed to perform a fresh install of Windows 7. You got all that? Good. Update: Responding to the leak, a Microsoft spokesperson delivered the following statement: "We are not announcing anything new at this time." That's what is known in the biz as the "non-announcing announcement." We'll let you know if anything changes. [Via SlashGear]
Microsoft puts the kibosh on Windows 7 beta downloads
Sadly, the day we were all expecting has come to pass: Windows 7 beta downloads are no longer available from Microsoft. Originally, the plan was to limit downloads to 2.5 million users, but due to popular demand and to help ease traffic on The Pirate Bay's website (just kidding) the company later offered unlimited downloads which (after providing a couple generous extensions) lasted until yesterday. But don't worry -- if your download got interrupted, you have until Thursday, Feb. 12 at 9:00 PM PST to finish the job; and folks who have finished their download can still register a product key or look up an old one on the download page.[Via The Register] Further reading: #saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 7px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; } Microsoft extends Windows 7 beta downloads to February 10 Good news for those of you who haven't yet snagged a copy of the Windows 7 beta -- Microsoft's decided to extend the beta download period to February 10th. Windows 7 multitouch: it's a gimmick (for now)We've spent some time with Windows 7 Beta's new touch and multitouch features this week, and came away largely disappointed. Windows 7 Beta in-depth impressionsWe finally gathered together all our thoughts and impressions of the OS into one meaty pile of words and screencaps. Windows 7 install roundup After resting up and settling into our post-CES golden desk chairs, team Engadget got busy at installing Windows 7 on pretty much anything they could find.
NVIDIA shows off Ion Windows 7 multitasking, confirms launch details
We've already gotten a pretty good idea of Ion's capabilities, but NVIDIA doesn't seem to be one to turn down an opportunity to show it off, and it did just that recently at a joint press conference with Microsoft. As you might have guessed, the pair was especially keen to show off Windows 7 multitasking on the platform and, judging from the video available at the read link below, it seems to be more than up to the task, with it able to convert a 1080p video file to a more portable size while the video was playing, and play Left 4 Dead at 720p resolution without any noticeable hiccups. In other news, NVIDIA also confirmed that the first Ion-based system would, in fact, be a desktop, and that it'll begin shipping sometime this spring. Unfortunately, there's no word as to who may be manufacturing said desktop, with NVIDIA's Drew Henry only going so far as to say that it'll be "very small" and "affordable."Read - TweakTown, "NVIDIA demo Windows 7 multi-tasking on ION "Read - Electronista, "First NVIDIA Ion system a desktop, due in spring"
HP netbooks likely to run "at least" three versions of Windows 7
How many versions of Windows 7 can a netbook run? Three, and possibly more, according to HP's Kyle Thornton, who recently attempted to "clarify" the situation in an interview with Computerworld. Those include in the main Professional and Home Premium editions, as well as the low-end Starter edition which, among other things, is limited to running no more than three applications at a time. According to Thornton, HP has also been testing Windows 7 Ultimate on its Mini netbook line, although it apparently isn't saying if it actually intends to offer it on future netbooks or not. But that's not all. Thornton also says that HP "hopes" that it'll be able to continue to offer both Windows XP and Vista Business on its business-oriented netbooks even after Windows 7 ships... and ships, and ships.
Automatic commercial skipping is a go for Media Center in Windows 7
There were plenty of people upset -- including us -- when they discovered that they could no longer automatically skip commercials after upgrading their Vista Media Center with the TV Pack. Well we're very pleased to let you know that our assertion that Microsoft broke our favorite third party application on purposed, was unfounded. You see we recently got the word from the developer behind DVRMSToolBox that the Windows 7 Media Center SDK was in hand and that it won't be long before we'll be able to can skip commercials without ever picking up the remote -- nice.
Engadget Podcast 132 - 02.06.2009
Friends -- the Engadget Podcast is here for you once again. It's time to kick off your shoes, twist your hat sideways, whip the tie across the room, and settle in for some good old, homespun tech punditry. Join Josh, a newly-healthy Paul, and Nilay as they whisk you away to the promised land of gadgety goings-on. Today you can hear the boys discuss Windows 7 SKUs, rap about Nüvifone developments, answer reader questions, and so much more. Strap in for the most thrilling ride you'll ever take. Ever. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay Patel Producer: Trent Wolbe Song: 4 Minutes 00:01:09 - Engadget's recession antidote 00:04:35 - Buy this book: Chris Ziegler's 'T-Mobile G1 For Dummies' 00:06:23 - BlackBerry Blowout: Storm vs. Bold vs. Curve 8900 00:16:45 - Windows 7 SKUs announced: your worst nightmare has come to pass 00:35:10 - Windows 7 multitouch: it's a gimmick (for now) 00:47:08 - Toshiba TG01 GUI, video playback demoed on film 00:53:45 - Garmin, ASUS form partnership for phones, nuvifone G60 first model 01:03:54 - Reader questions Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
Ballmer to businesses: deploy WinXP now and face concerns from employees
There's no two ways about it -- Microsoft has moved a truckload of Windows Vista licenses. That said, just 10 percent of all PCs within enterprises in North America and Europe use Vista, with the vast majority sticking to what has worked for years: Windows XP. Company CEO Steve Ballmer had quite the zinger on this topic during a recent interview at an NYC interview to mark the extension of Microsoft's collaboration with EMC, and we're certain you'll love it. Here goes: "If you deploy a four or five-year old operating system today [Windows XP], most people will ask their boss why the heck they don't have the stuff [Vista / Windows 7] they have at home." Of course, a one-off remark from some chap that's not at all pertinent to the day-to-day operations of a company isn't apt to make a business owner rethink their approach to running their own show, but we're sure it's fun for Steve to think that only a handful of consumers out there are still relying on WinXP.[Via PCWorld]
Windows 7 multitouch: it's a gimmick (for now)
We've spent some time with Windows 7 Beta's new touch and multitouch features this week, and came away largely disappointed. It's not that they don't work, at least on occasion, it's that they don't really provide a comprehensive or pleasurable method for using a computer. The primary enhancements to the OS that really make touch usage possible include a taller taskbar, pinch to zoom and tap-and-drag scrolling. There's a fancy new onscreen keyboard that's actually usable, and those quick-swipe gestures from Vista remain for forward, back, copy, paste, undo and redo.
Windows 7 gets Hauppauge HD-PVR support via 3rd party
The HD-PVR FAQ on Hauppauge's website has always been very clear that the reason why there wasn't support for Windows Media Center was because when it comes to Live TV, Vista Media Center couldn't handle h.264. So it should come as no surprise that now that the Windows 7 Beta has been out for a bit, someone has figured out a way to get the two to play together. The DVBSBridge add-on is available now for those who can't wait for Hauppauge's drivers and are of course running Windows 7 -- Vista fans need not apply -- but we'll warn you; we just took a look at the directions and this is not for the faint of heart.[Via Geek Tonic]
Windows 7 SKUs announced: your worst nightmare has come to pass
Remember that screenshot we saw of all those different Windows 7 versions (pictured above)? Well guess what? It's worse than you could have possibly imagined. The following will be the actual new SKUs for the OS: Windows 7 Starter (limited to three apps concurrently) Windows 7 Home Basic (for emerging markets) Windows 7 Home Premium (adds Aero, Touch, Media Center) Windows 7 Professional (Remote Desktop host, Mobility Center, Presentation mode) Windows 7 Enterprise (volume license only, boot from virtual drive, BitLocker) Windows 7 Ultimate (limited availability, includes everything) This information has been confirmed by Microsoft... who never listens to us. At least most consumers will only see Home Premium and Professional options at retail, which is more akin to the XP options of yore, and means WMC will be "baseline" for most PCs.Update: Just to be clear, we've checked specifically with Microsoft on all six versions, and the placement of Home Basic in emerging markets. There's now a full breakdown after the break.
Windows 7 gets installed on Amtek U560 UMPC, what's next?
It may not be quite the all purpose OS that Windows XP has become, but Windows 7 is certainly proving to at least be a good deal more versatile than its immediate predecessor, and folks just can't seem to stop testing its limits. One of the latest to be put through the wringer is the Amtek U560 UMPC, which is based on a pre-Atom A100 processor that clocks in at a mere 600MHz. Despite that, however, and the system's paltry 512MB RAM, the UMPC seems to have been more than up to the task, with it snagging a passable Windows 7 Experience Index rating of 1.2. Head on past the break to check it out in action.[Via SlashGear]
Windows fanperson revs up "Release Windows 7 Now" campaign
It's no secret that the Windows 7 beta that's creeping about the world is generating a lot of excitement -- people want this OS, like, now. To that end, Kelly Poe of Nashville, Tennessee has started up a "Release Windows 7 Now" campaign to get Microsoft to move its behind a little faster. It hasn't gained that much steam yet -- as of this writing, he's only collected 153 votes -- but hey, you just never know, right? Right. Update: Kelly Poe's actually a man... sorry about that, Kelly![Via PC World]
How-to guide explains boxee / Vista Media Center integration
We've already seen boxee for Windows previewed, but if you've been toying with the idea of integrating it into your Vista Media Center setup, you'll probably want to give the read link a look. In short, the step-by-step guide walks you gently through the integration procedure in order to provide easy access to built-in Windows functions (recorded shows, for instance) as well as boxee's portal to the best content the web has to offer. Have a look at the results video just after the break.
Multiple Windows 7 versions coming? Say it ain't so!
These pictures supposedly come from a new build of the Windows 7 beta, 7025. It goes without saying that while we knew this was a possibility, we've been seriously wishing against it. We hope these are fake (and they very well could be), but seriously Microsoft... don't even think about this.[Thanks, Pete]
Microsoft extends Windows 7 beta downloads to February 10
Good news for those of you who haven't yet snagged a copy of the Windows 7 beta -- Microsoft's decided to extend the beta download period to February 10th. That's the second extension we've gotten from Redmond -- the company says that interest is so high in 7 that it doesn't want anyone to miss out. So what are you waiting for? Hit the read link for the download and then snuggle up with our detailed install round-up and hands-on impressions while your bits tumble in. [Via Computerworld]Read - Post on Windows Team BlogRead - Windows 7 download page
