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May 26

CyberNotes: Best Lite Apps

Posted in: CyberNotes, Freeware, Software, Today's Chili

This article was written on January 15, 2008 by CyberNet.

Time Saving Tuesday

We’re a few weeks into the new year, and we thought that it would be nice if we helped you with your resolution to trim off some fat…from your computer that is. Today we’re showing off 6 different applications that are all condensed versions of what you might already be using.

Almost all of the programs that we’ve scrounged up are freeware, and we’ve made sure to throw in some you may not be aware of yet. Now lets take your computer to the virtual gym, and we’ll watch those pounds fly off!

–AIM Lite (Freeware)–

One of the things that I like the most about Google Talk is its simplicity. AIM Lite is a slightly new experimental program from the folks over at AOL. Its goal is, in some ways, to make it more like Google Talk. They’ve trimmed things up so that it doesn’t have many features, and in the end the result was a fast little instant messenger. Who would have thought that AOL could make something that wasn’t bloated.

Download: AIM Lite

–Nero Lite & Micro (Commercial/Trial)–

I’ve used Nero for years because I find it to be one of the most powerful CD and DVD burning applications available. One thing that I’ve found, however, is that as time passes Nero continues to get more and more bloated with each subsequent release. It includes more apps that all do things I don’t need. That’s why I’m so appreciative of Nero Lite & Micro!

These apps are not officially endorsed or created by Nero, but they should be. The Nero 8 download weighs in at a whopping 183MB, while Nero Lite and Micro are only 42MB and 20MB respectively. That’s an incredible reduction in size.

For those of you wondering, Nero 8 Lite includes Burning ROM, Express, Cover Designer, and Wave Editor while Nero 8 Micro only has Burning ROM. And yes, you’ll still need to have a serial number to use this after the trial period expires.

Homepage: Updatepack.nl
Download: Nero Lite | Nero Micro
Mirror: Nero Lite

–QuickTime Alternative (Freeware)–

QuickTime Alternative offers a quick way for you to watch QuickTime movies (.MOV) in your browser without needing to install the full program. I know a lot of people who use this to avoid the bloat that the full app includes. Now you can watch all of those Get A Mac ads.

Download: QuickTime Alternative

–Real Alternative (Freeware)–

With Real Alternative you’ll be able to watch Real videos (.RA and .RAM) in Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, and Netscape. I don’t come across this media all that often in my daily browsing, but I’m sure there are still plenty of sites who use it as a source for streaming content.

Download: Real Alternative

–Adobe Reader Lite (Freeware)–

Adobe Reader Lite removes some shortcuts and disables the license agreement, but more importantly it cuts out some of the fat. By that I mean it removes some of the plugins that regular users like me and you probably won’t use in our lifetime.

While Adobe Reader Lite sounds like a nice thought, I don’t think it is enough to pull users away from Foxit or PDF-XChange.

Download: Adobe Reader Lite

–Winamp Lite (Freeware)–

Winamp comes in several different flavors, one of which is a Lite version. The Lite version comes stripped of a lot of features, including device synchronization and SHOUTcast radio stations. If you just want something that will play your songs, and not much else, then Winamp Lite is what you’re looking for!

Download: Winamp Lite

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May 26

Zune HD Is Real, Has Multitouch Web Browsing, OLED Screen and HD Video

Posted in: Microsoft, Today's Chili, top, zune, zune hd

Microsoft officially announced the Zune HD today, confirming the earlier rumors and fleshing out the hardware side a bit. It’s clearly going to go head-to-head with the iPod touch, featuring multitouch and a web browser, but will its high-end media features be enough to dethrone the touch?

The flash-based Zune HD features a new industrial look compared to the line’s earlier understated matte style, and is the first to feature a touchscreen: In this case, it’s a 3.3″ 16:9 widescreen capacitive OLED with multitouch, packing a resolution of 480×272. The “HD” badging comes from the inclusion of HD radio and HD (720p) video-out, though the latter is available only with an optional docking station. The Zune HD will thus be the world’s first portable media player to include HD radio, which offers song and artist info and far better sound quality than traditional radio. It’ll also include an accelerometer, which is pretty much standard at this point.

Wi-Fi has always been a part of the Zune brand (however half-assedly implemented), and the Zune HD might be the first Zune that actually encourages its owners to keep that battery-sucking Wi-Fi turned on. Yes, the Zune HD will feature multitouch browsing, using a portable browser based on Internet Explorer. We’ll do our best to reserve judgment on that last part.

The other big news is a refocus on Zune integration with the Xbox environment, as the Zune’s video (though not music, yet) marketplace will replace the current Xbox Live version. Microsoft reps were pretty tight-lipped on the subject, but come E3, they’ll enlighten us with the details of the redesign.

Other tidbits: The Zune Marketplace is set to cross oceans, coming to several western European countries and, finally, Canada. The Microsoft rep I talked to hinted that the Zune environment may not stay exclusive to Zune hardware: “Obviously,” he said, “mobile is a key and critical investment for the company.” So don’t count out that Zune phone quite yet. I got just about the same response when inquiring about a possible version of the App Store: Possible, but no confirmation. So keep your eyes peeled for new developments on that front.

We’re still mostly in the dark about the big, important facts: Release date is only specified as “early fall,” and both pricing and storage capacity are still under wraps. This is still pretty bare-bones; we haven’t seen the redesigned touchscreen GUI or even held the thing in our hands. I’m a proud Zune owner myself (somebody had to take over as Angry Windows guy after Adam’s defection, right?), and while I think Zunes are great, I’m not thrilled with what I’ve learned so far. It’ll be a polished and great-sounding player, I’m sure, but I really want to see something that pushes boundaries, and to me, that doesn’t mean HD radio. We’ll update with the full press release and hopefully some more info as soon as possible. Update: Here’s that release.

For Immediate Release
May 26, 2009
Microsoft Announces the Expansion of the Zune Entertainment Service to New Platform and Markets; Confirms New Zune HD Portable Media Player
Premium Zune digital entertainment service to be available internationally on Xbox LIVE.
REDMOND, Wash. – May 26, 2009 – Microsoft Corp. today announced the evolution of Zune, the company’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, to a new platform and new markets. Zune will extend its video service to Xbox LIVE internationally this fall. This marks an important development in the Zune strategy and brings the Zune brand to more than 17 million international Xbox LIVE subscribers. In addition, Microsoft confirmed the next generation of the Zune portable media player, Zune HD. Available in the U.S. this fall, Zune HD is the first portable media player that combines a built-in HD Radio receiver, high-definition (HD) video output capabilities, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Wi-Fi and an Internet browser.
“The Zune music player is an integral part of the overall Zune experience, and we’re proud to be growing and extending our offering beyond the device,” said Enrique Rodriguez, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV, Video and Music Business Group. “Delivering on Microsoft’s connected entertainment vision, this news marks a turning point for Zune as it brings cross-platform experiences and premium video content to living rooms around the world.”
Zune Service Expands to New Platform
Zune will be a premium partner in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, bringing an exciting catalog of TV and film to the platform. Zune will occupy the first slot within the Xbox user interface in the Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace, exposing the Zune brand experience to millions of new consumers for the first time. At the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) next week, attendees will see firsthand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE to create a game-changing entertainment experience.
Introducing Zune HD
Zune HD is the next iteration of the Zune device family and brings a new level of listening and viewing experiences to the portable media player category.
· Zune HD comes with a built-in HD Radio receiver so users can listen to higher-quality sound than traditional radio on the go. Users also will have access to the additional song and artist data broadcast by HD Radio stations as well as additional channels from their favorite stations multicasting in HD. If you don’t like the song playing on your station’s HD channel, switch to its HD2 or HD3 channels for additional programming.
· The bright OLED touch screen interface allows users to flip through music, movies and other content with ease, and the 16:9 widescreen format display (480×272 resolution) offers a premium viewing experience on the go.
· The HD-compatible output lets Zune HD customers playback supported HD video files from the device through a premium high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) audiovisual docking station (sold separately) direct to an HD TV in 720p.*
· Zune HD will include a full-screen Internet browser optimized for multitouch functionality.
· Zune HD is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing for instant streaming to the device from the more than 5 million-track Zune music store.
More information on Zune and related images is available at http://www.zune.net/press and http://www.zune.net/ZuneHD.
About Zune
Zune is Microsoft’s music and entertainment brand that provides an integrated digital entertainment experience. The Zune platform includes a line of portable digital media players, elegant software, the Zune Marketplace online store, Zune Pass music subscription service, and the Zune Social online music community, created to help people discover more music. Zune is part of Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division and supports the company’s software-based services vision to help drive innovation in the digital entertainment space. More information can be found online at http://www.zune.net/en-us/press.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE connects more than 17 million members across 26 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. Home of more content from one remote than can be found from any device connected to the television, Xbox LIVE is also a unified online social network bringing friends together, no matter where they are – in the living room or across the world. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
* Supported 720p HD video files play on the device, downscaled to fit the screen at 480 x 272 – not HD resolution. Zune HD and AV Dock, and an HDTV (all sold separately) are required to view video at HD resolution.
HD Radio™ and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp.

May 26

Engadget arrives at D7!

Posted in: Features, Today's Chili

You know you’re at the D conference (hosted by Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher of All Things D) when you’re chilling in the lobby of the Four Seasons and Woz and his wife peel up on tandem Segways. Yeah, it’s going to be that kind of party. We’re live on the ground at D7, and you can expect some pretty interesting coverage from us this week, including liveblogs of keynotes from Palm’s Jon Rubinstein, Steve Ballmer, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo of Nokia, and Mike Lazaradis from RIM. For now, though, we’re going to soak in some of these beautiful rays and try to get a game of Segway polo going. A few more pics after the break.

Continue reading Engadget arrives at D7!

Filed under: Announcements

Engadget arrives at D7! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 26

Verizon Refuses to Help Police Over 20 Dollar Phone Bill

Posted in: Today's Chili, verizon, Verizon Wireless

Nothing like a customer service department getting in the way of saving a life. Slashdot reports that recently, a 62-year-old man had a mental breakdown and ran away from his house with several bottles of pills. Police were called in, and immediately contacted Verizon to switch on the guy’s cell phone so they could track him–and were promptly rebuffed, with the Verizon customer service rep saying that they couldn’t turn on his phone because he had an unpaid bill totaling 20 bucks.

The cops eventually found the guy anyway–unconscious, and after 11 hours, while the department tried to figure out how to pay the bill, the report said. “I was more concerned for the person’s life,” Sheriff Dale Williams said in the accompanying Times-Reporter article. “It would have been nice if Verizon would have turned on his phone for five or 10 minutes, just long enough to try and find the guy. But they would only turn it on if we agreed to pay $20 of the unpaid bill.” Nice job, Verizon–good to know you’re looking out for your customers.

May 26

Engadget Labs: The best mobile broadband carrier in America

Posted in: att, cdma, Features, hspa, mobile broadband, mobile internet, MobileBroadband, MobileInternet, review, reviewed, Sprint, t-mobile, Today's Chili, us, usa, verizon, Verizon Wireless, VerizonWireless, wwan

When T-Mobile finally decided to join the 3G data card bandwagon earlier this year, we figured it prudent to grab a few sticks from the likes of T-Mob, Sprint, Verizon Wireless and AT&T in order to see which carrier provides the most bang for the buck in the mobile data arena. And trust us, it’s about more than just uplink and downlink rates in 2G / 3G regions these days — it’s about figuring out which operator provides the coverage you need at the price you can afford, all while dodging those precarious overage charges and finding yourself out of luck when traveling overseas. Join us after the break as we delve into the deep, murky realm that is mobile broadband, and prepare to have your every preconceived notion about this stuff utterly destroyed.

Gallery: Mobile Data Card Shootout

Continue reading Engadget Labs: The best mobile broadband carrier in America

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Wireless

Engadget Labs: The best mobile broadband carrier in America originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 26

HP recalls another 15,000 laptop batteries, this time in China

Posted in: HP, Today's Chili

HP just recalled a hefty 70,000 laptop batteries earlier this month, but it looks like it still has a few more fires to put out, and it’s now recalled another 15,000 batteries sold in China. No reports of any actual “flames / fire” this time around but, as with countless other recalls, the batteries are apparently prone to overheating, and can indeed pose a pesky fire hazard. Word of specific models affected is also a bit hard to come by at the moment, but the batteries were apparently used in laptops manufactured between late 2007 and early 2008, and include models sold under both the HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario brands. If that sounds like your laptop, you can get in touch with HP China for a free replacement battery.

Filed under: Laptops

HP recalls another 15,000 laptop batteries, this time in China originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 26

Right-to-Repair Act Gains Traction

Posted in: politics, Today's Chili

We’re big fans of car tech here at Gearlog, but one thing that we’re never fond of is anything that restricts consumer choice. And unfortunately, that’s what is happening more and more with today’s newer vehicles.

The problem: as vehicles get more sophisticated, they come with more computers. No surprise there–except that troubleshooting and repairing the cars requires specialized equipment these days. And automakers aren’t unveiling the diagnostic codes necessary for independent mechanics to work on the cars. Hence, you’re stuck heading back to the dealer, who is free to charge you as much as they want for what could be a very simple repair–an average of 34 percent more for late-model cars, according to a new Lang Research study.

Fortunately, as Autopia reports, Congress is looking to change that. The new Right-to-Repair Act would “allow independent repair shops to compete for business that currently goes only to franchises and dealer-approved establishments.” The bipartisan bill, in effect, would dramatically increase the number of shops that could service late-model vehicles and make those repairs significantly cheaper, the report said. In the meantime, sites like RepairPal can help you find a shop for your car–providing that it’s one that can be worked on independently of a dealer. (Image credit: Nissan)

May 26

PCMag: After Hours Episode 5

Posted in: MP3 Digital Audio, podcast, Today's Chili

For their latest episode, PCMag After Hours hosts Brian Heater and Kyle Monson are joined by guest Chloe Albanesius (News Reporter) and overseen by editor-in-chief Lance Ulanoff, (silently) making sure they stay in line. This episode’s theme is Lawsuits, and in America there’s plenty to go around. From Take 2 suing the bankrupt studio 3-D Realms for the Duke Nukem source code to thepiratebay.com’s seeding out media files.

PCMag After Hours takes a light-hearted journey through the world of law in a digital world asking ethical questions such as, free-speech and hate-speech–where should we draw the line?

To listen in either go to the iTunes store to download episodes for free or go to PCMag.com.

May 26

GM Announces Injury Severity Prediction Technology

Posted in: gps, Today's Chili

On GM’s corporate Fast Lane blog, the struggling automaker announced a potentially life-saving addition to its OnStar Automatic Crash Response technology. You may recall from all the commercials that OnStar transmits basic telemetry from a crash, including GPS location, the crash’s severity, and whether the car’s airbags deployed.

The new tool, called Injury Severity Prediction, interprets that data further and attempts to predict if a crash is likely to have caused severe injury to passengers. “Each crash will be given an Injury Severity Prediction of either ‘normal’ or ‘high,’ helping first responders better determine what level of care is required and what medical facility is most appropriate for transport,” the company said in the blog entry. “As we learned from the medical experts on the CDC panel, seconds are precious following a traumatic injury and complications can result from the delayed treatment of injuries.”

I’d personally love to see this added to all cars without a subscription fee–just the emergency features, as the navigation and all that other stuff that’s part of OnStar could be extra cost. Think about it: today’s cell phones have emergency GPS capabilities, even if you’re not paying extra for the navigation service. There’s no reason why all cars couldn’t have it too–especially given that each car costs a heck of a lot more than a cell phone. Other manufacturers are getting into the market, but GM leads here.

May 26

Sony updates plethora of VAIO laptops in Japan

Posted in: sony, Today's Chili, vaio

Ah, Spring. The season of vacations, beach attire and VAIO updates. We already heard that Sony was giving its VAIO P ~~netbook~~ a dose of Windows XP and an optional 256GB SSD, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, the Type T, Type Z, Type F and Type A are all getting makeovers, so we’ll do our best to break ’em down right. The beastly A series will continue to be menacing, boasting an 18.4-inch 1080p panel, WiFi, a HDD / SSD hybrid system, 4GB of RAM, a Blu-ray drive and a GeForce 9600M GT. The F series rolls in with a 16.4-inch display, 4GB of memory, ATI’s 256MB Mobility Radeon HD 3470, WiFi, a battery good for three hours and a Core 2 Duo P8700. The other guys are seeing far lighter touchups, but you can feel free to have a look at all of these Japan-bound units in the links below.

Gallery: Sony updates plethora of VAIO laptops in Japan

Read – VAIO updates I
Read – VAIO updates II

Filed under: Laptops

Sony updates plethora of VAIO laptops in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasta La Gadget!