Hasta La Gadget!

Subtlety can’t always avert controversy. That leaked build of Windows Blue is a case in point: it suggests a relatively incremental update to Windows 8, yet some of its revelations are already causing quite a stir. Neowin now reports that Internet Explorer 11, as contained within the leaked build, identifies itself to host websites as “Mozilla… like Gecko.” Confusing, right? Perhaps, but it’s not really as underhand as it sounds, as you can see from the full line of code in the picture above.

The program still identifies itself (in brackets) as IE 11, but it forgoes Microsoft’s older identifier (“MSIE”) and simply describes itself as being a browser that renders HTML in a similar way to Firefox’s Gecko layout engine. Neowin speculates that the reason for this could be to start afresh: by confusing host websites with a new identifier, IE 11 might avoid having legacy CSS code thrown at it, dating back to the bad old days when web designers had to give Internet Explorer special treatment. It’s also been suggested that this could cause problems for business apps that genuinely rely on legacy CSS code — although it’s worth remembering that we’re not looking at a final release here, and none of us (ahem) are even meant to be using it.

Filed under: Internet, Software, Microsoft

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Via: Slashdot

Source: Neowin

Want to get a first-hand look at Microsoft’s updated OS? You might be able to download the unreleased Windows Blue operating system on your own machine. Leaked build 9364 hit file sharing sites earlier today — according to Neowin, the 32-bit edition is available for download as a 2.63GB ISO, and likely hit the web from a Microsoft partner in France. Notable adjustments include larger and smaller Live Tiles, enabling a bit more Start screen customization, along with an updated side-by-side app view, which boosts multitasking efficiency by displaying two applications with matching width. Other additions include a Play option under the Devices panel, a screenshot button on the Share sidebar, and Internet Explorer 11, which comes packaged with the new OS. Windows Blue build 9364 appears to be an unauthorized leak, but even if you have any reservations about installing it on your own machine, you’ll surely be able to check out plenty of eye candy from other users over the hours and days to come. In the meantime, hit up the source links for a few more screenshots.

[Thanks, Jim]

Filed under: Software, Microsoft

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Source: Winforum, Neowin

The Raspberry Pi is a small computer on a developer board that can be used for all sorts of electronic projects and devices. The little board has been around now for one year officially, and to celebrate the first anniversary of the product launch, RS Components has announced a special limited-edition Raspberry Pi. The manufacturer has produced 1000 Raspberry Pi Model B Revision 2 boards in an exclusive blue color.

Each of the limited-edition blue boards is stamped with a serial number and comes supplied in a special presentation box. The limited-edition version also ships with a special crystal blue case and a certificate of authenticity. These limited-edition boards are not being offered for general sale and are being issued by the manufacturer through a variety of channels.

Most of these boards are being donated to charitable causes associated with young people and education around the world. However, between March and June of 2013 enthusiasts around the world will have the opportunity to enter competitions to win one of the special boards. To enter for a chance to win, simply send RSElectronics a tweet with the hashtag #bluePI.

The first Sony PS3 was a fat, glossy black fingerprint magnet and it was glorious. When my original PS3 finally died, I ended up buying when the new slimmer PS3′s with a matte black case. If you’ve been itching for a more colorful PS3 that is even thinner – and happen to live in Japan, you will get your wish this month.

A pair of impressively thin and sleek new PS3 consoles are headed to retail outlets in Japan this month in blue or red colors. Each of the consoles has an internal 250 GB hard drive and rather than calling them plain color names, the official colors are “azurite blue” and “garnet red.” Other than the fancy colors and thin profiles, these are still your basic PS3 consoles that have been around for a long time.

Either color PS3 super slim console will cost ¥24,980 – which working out to about $279(USD). The consoles will also ship with their own color matched DualShock controller. There’s no word on a launch for these colors outside of Japan as of yet.

This may be the last hurrah for the PS3, with rumors of a new PS4 console expected to launch later this year.

[via Kotaku]

Adding to its line of capable USB recording tech, Blue Microphones has pulled the curtain back on the Nessie at CES 2013. This latest offering looks to get cozy on your desktop and lend a hand with vocal, instrument and voiceover recording all while adapting in real time to keep those captures free from extra editing or mixing. The Nessie touts a built-in pop filter and shock mount to keep unwanted noise down alongside adaptive processing that includes EQ, de-esser and level control that adjusts automatically during the session. Using a single, custom-tuned condenser capsule and cardioid pattern, the mic features three recording modes configured to capture vocals, instruments and raw audio that you’ll want to tweak afterwards. Controls for headphone volume and muting with support for zero-latency headphone monitoring are all on board as well. The unit is also optimized for recording with Apple’s slate, but you’ll need to pick up an adapter to do so. No word on when the Nessie will hit shelves, but when it does, it’s expected to carry a $99 price tag. If you’re jonesin’ for a few more details, consult the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Blue Microphones unveils Nessie: an adaptive USB mic with built-in features to improve recordings

Filed under: Peripherals

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