Feb 14

WrapUp: Steve Jobs Passed Away Last Week

Posted in: Today's Chili

This article was written on October 10, 2011 by CyberNet.

Welcome to the WrapUp by CyberNet. This is a collection of news stories, downloads, and tips that we have collected over the last few days, but never got around to writing about. Don’t forget to send in your own tips, or just leave a comment on this page if you think you’ve got something we should include.

–News–

Steve jobs ripSteve Jobs Passed Away
Last Wednesday, a day after the iPhone 4S announcement, Steve Jobs passed away. This is a great roundup of all the coverage, and we wish the best for his family.

Google samsung android ice cream sandwichGoogle/Samsung Postpone Launch Event
Google and Samsung were expected to announce the first smartphone based on Android’s “Ice Cream Sandwich” tomorrow. AllThingsD reports that the event was postponed out of respect for Steve Jobs’ passing.

Nuance swypeNuance Acquires Swype
The Nuance speech recognition company has bought Swype, which is a unique on-screen keyboard for mobile devices. My guess is that Nuance wants to incorporate a speech recognition button on the Swype keyboard that is widely distributed and even ships with some Android phones.

Rdio freeRdio Starts Offering Free Access
The Rdio music service now has an ad-free desktop music player that lets users listen at absolutely no cost. It should be noted that this isn’t unlimited music listening, and that Rdio hasn’t gone into details as to how the limits are determined.

Google earth billionGoogle Earth Downloaded Over 1 Billion Times
Google hit a big milestone: the Google Earth desktop app, introduced back in 2005, has been downloaded over a billion times.

Iphone 4sApple Announces iPhone 4S
During a keynote last Tuesday Apple announced their next generation iPhone, which is called the iPhone 4S. The new device looks the same as the iPhone 4, but is world phone, has an A5 processor, faster graphics, 8MP camera, and 1080P video.

Start menuThe Evolution of the Windows Start Menu
Microsoft takes a look at how the Start Menu has changed over the years, and how they are re-evaluating the way people access their apps.

Kindle leakLeaked Sales Numbers for the Amazon Kindle Fire
Amazon Kindle Fire tablet preorders are doing pretty well if this leak is to be believed. The leak indicates that Amazon racking up about 2,000 preorders per hour for the new tablet that launches on November 15th.

Zune hdMicrosoft Kills Off Zune HD
Going forward Microsoft will be focusing their music efforts on the Windows Phone, and will no longer sell the Zune HD to consumers.

–Tips, Tutorials, and Reviews–

Windows 7 explorerWindows 7 Explorer Tips and Tricks
Here is a guide covering how to do things in the Windows 7 Explorer like pick a different startup folder, add applications to the favorite list, and more.

Chrome remote desktopChrome Remote Desktop
This cross-platform Google Chrome extension makes it possible to connect to someone else’s machine who is also running the extension.

Reddit tab openerKilling Time With Reddit Tab Opener
The Reddit Tab Opener is a Chrome extension that will bulk open all image links on a given Reddit page. That way you can just sift from tab-to-tab enjoying the fun stuff Reddit has to offer without clicking on a bunch of links.

Day zeroPlan the Next 101 Things You Want To Do
Day Zero is a free site that lets you plan out 101 things you want to do in the next 1001 days.

Hotmail androidOfficial Hotmail App Available for Android
If you use an Android device you can go ahead and grab Microsoft’s official Hotmail app that can be used to manage your email.

Pass my willPassMyWill Sends Out Your Passwords After You Die
PassMyWill is a service that monitors your Facebook/Twitter accounts, and if it finds that they are inactive it will send you an email. If you fail to respond to that message it will assume you’ve passed away, and will then automatically email out your passwords to a group of people you’ve specified.

Css loader generatorGenerate CSS Code for Website Loading Animations
This clever service helps you create custom loading icons/animations and provides the CSS needed to quickly get it running on your site.

Growl updateGrowl 1.3 for Mac Users
The new version of Growl has been completely rewritten, and includes a nice “rollup” notification center that displays alerts you missed while away from your computer. The catch is that the developers are now charging $1.99 for the app (which was previously free) in the Mac App Store, and they hope that the small fee will help them better maintain Growl going forward.

Fusion vs parallelsParallels Desktop 7 and VMWare Fusion 4
Ars Technica provides an in-depth comparison of the two Mac virtualization technologies that are available: Parallels Desktop 7 and VMWare Fusion 4.

Evernote exporterAutomatically Export Evernote Notes
The free Evernote Exporter is an open source app that can save off all your notes on a schedule that you specify. It is a great solution for anyone wanting an offline backup of your notes.

–Downloads–

Copyright © 2014 CyberNetNews.com

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Nov 24

Zune Games Should be Coming your Way

Posted in: Today's Chili

This article was written on March 12, 2007 by CyberNet.

ZunegamesBack at CES in January, Microsoft’s Peter Moore announced that Zune games would be coming. In fact, they would be coming within 18 months. Thus far, Zune sales haven’t exactly been anything to write home about, but those that have made the purchase give the impression that they are satisfied.

If Microsoft managed to come up with amazing games for the Zune, it could potentially help out their sales.  So far I’ve heard it being compared to the Playstation Portable. While that may be a far stretch, anything is possible. If they went as far as integrating it with Xbox Live, that would definitely give them a boost.

As ‘I Started Something’ points out, Microsoft does mean serious business when it comes to video gaming capabilities, and hopefully the team in charge of developing these games can get a lot done in 18 months.  Back in January around the same time that Peter Moore made the announcement, Microsoft posted a job under the title of “Software Development Engineer in Test.”

The job description clearly explains that you would join the “Zune effort and help build the next generation of portable digital entertainment. Be a part of this start-up team which will reshape the way people engage with their games, music, and videos.”

Another job posting more recently is calling for a Branding Manager that would be responsible for “managing and developing Zune into a world-class entertainment brand.” It poses this scenario to possible applicants:

“Imagine if you could connect to your entertainment wherever you are, on the TV, on your portable media device, on your mobile phone, your Xbox or at the PC– your entertainment at your fingertips.”

If they were able to take what they have imagined and turned it into something real, they’d probably be sweeping up sales like crazy. “If” is the key word, however. Anybody up for Halo on the Zune?

 

Copyright © 2013 CyberNetNews.com

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Nov 13

Microsoft Retiring Zune Marketplace As Early As November 22

Posted in: Today's Chili

Microsoft Retiring Zune Marketplace As Early As November 22

Microsoft has announced today that Zune Marketplace will not support rental and purchase of content from November 22nd, 2013. Browsing the Marketplace for movies or TV shows is off the cards as well. This move is part and parcel of the Fall 2013 update through which Microsoft Points are also retired. Those who have remaining Microsoft Points balance can transition it to local currency by initiating a purchase or redeeming a Microsoft Points card or code on Xbox 360 or the Xbox Music and Video apps on Windows 8.1.

With Zune Marketplace gone, what remains of Microsoft’s once popular music project is the Zune hardware that’s still out there and the Zune desktop software. In a recent related announcement, Microsoft announced that users will no longer be able to play Xbox Video content that they own on Zune devices, Zune PC client or Windows Phone 7 devices. Video content already purchased through Zune Marketplace will be available to users in Xbox Video, whether they access it through the web, Xbox 360, Windows 8.1 or RT tablets and PCs or through the Windows Phone 8 app which Microsoft says is likely to be released around the holiday season. So that’s that, the Zune project gets yet another nail in its coffin.

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    • Microsoft Retiring Zune Marketplace As Early As November 22 original content from Ubergizmo.

        



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    Nov 13

    The Zune Marketplace Will Be Dead Within 9 Days

    Posted in: Today's Chili

    2013-11-13_10h06_47

    Alas poor Zune, you are dead. Microsoft has stretched out the end of Zune over such a long time that I feel that we have called it RIP for years. Here’s what I consider the last domino: By November 22, Zune’s Marketplace will stop selling and renting content, and won’t allow users to browse TV content.

    This means that the only remnants of Zune will be the hardware that is still in the market and the Zune desktop software. I presume that you can keep using both with music that you outright own, and I have asked Microsoft to confirm the fact.

    If you have leftover Microsoft Points (yuck), you can convert those to local currency, and spend them in the Xbox Video and Music stores.

    I bought the first generation device the day it came out, if I recall properly, and this is all a bit sad. Microsoft did some really neat things with its music project, and in the end made one of the best pieces of MP3 hardware, the Zune HD. In its heyday, the Zune music software was, and remains, the best piece of tune-playing software released in my view. Darn you, current Spotify edition.

    Ultimately, Zune was caught trying to catch up to Apple’s iPod line at a time when Apple was hitting its stride with the iPhone, a device that would break the back of the standalone music player market. And then streaming services such as Spotify caught on, ending the potential for the Zune Pass, with its rental downloads and “keep” option, to become even a modest hit.

    It was all too late, but still quite nice in its bright autumnal senescence. Zune is over. On we move.

    For fun, here is a TechCrunch review of the Zune HD from 2009, of all things. Enjoy. Via WPCentral.

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    Oct 08

    WrapUp: Amazon’s New Kindle Lineup, Changes to Zune Music Pass, and More

    Posted in: Today's Chili

    This article was written on October 03, 2011 by CyberNet.

    Welcome to the WrapUp by CyberNet. This is a collection of news stories, downloads, and tips that we have collected over the last few days, but never got around to writing about. Don’t forget to send in your own tips, or just leave a comment on this page if you think you’ve got something we should include.

    –News–

    Att tetheringAT&T Starts Sending Warnings About Throttling
    The top 5% of data consumers on the AT&T network are starting to get warnings (via SMS) saying that they may have their transfer speed reduced. Users will apparently get multiple notices as a warning so that you can try to cutback on usage.

    Zune logoMicrosoft Makes Changes to Zune Music Pass
    Effective today the Zune Music Pass will drop in price from $14.99 to $9.99, but you’ll also lose your ability to permanently save off those 10 MP3s to your own library each month.

    PlaybookBlackBerry PlayBook Starts at $299 Now
    As of last week retailers have been slashing the price of the BlackBery PlayBook down to $299 for the 16GB model, which is $200 less than it was prior to Amazon’s tablet announcement.

    Kindle 2011Amazon’s New Kindle Lineup
    Last week was pretty big for Amazon as they unveiled their new lineup of Kindle devices, which range in price from $79 for the basic E Ink display up to $199 for the 7-inch color tablet powered by Android.

    Firefox7Firefox 7 Offers Improved Performance
    The new Firefox 7 supposedly manages memory much more efficiently and overall makes the browser much more responsive.

    Windows phone mangoWindows Phone Mango Getting Pushed to Devices
    Microsoft started pushing Windows Phone 7.5 Mango to devices last week, which has some new features like Internet Sharing (think WiFi hotspot).

    Apple inviteApple Sends Invites for October 4th iPhone Media Event
    Tomorrow Apple will be holding a media event where the focus will be on iPhone-related news.

    New deliciousNew Delicious Owners Roll Out Changes to Site
    The people who bought the Delicious bookmarking service earlier in the year have released their first set of changes, which for me has taken away some of the usefulness I found in it (such as the advanced sorting options).

    Digital dead sea scrollsView a Digital Version of the Dead Sea Scrolls Online
    The Israel Museum has posted the 2,000 year old Dead Sea Scrolls online and is powered by Google technologies. They are very high resolution which means you can zoom in to see every little crack in the document.

    –Tips, Tutorials, and Reviews–

    Google ontheflyGoogle’s OnTheFly Mobile App Compares Flight Prices
    Frequent flyers can appreciate the mobile OnTheFly Android and iOS App by Google which will let you compare prices between airlines as well as view ticket cost trends.

    Tv rss feedGet Email or RSS Alerts When New Episodes of Your Favorite TV Shows Air
    MyTVrss is a free service that can send you an email or provide an RSS feed to alert you when a new episode of your favorite television show is airing.

    Kindle chartUse the Kindle Flowchart to Find the Right Kindle for You
    Now that there are several different Kindle devices to choose from you’ll need to think through which one is right for you. This flowchart basically serves as a comparison of the different devices to guide you with your decision.

    Ios magicjackMake Free VoIP Calls With magicJack iOS App
    Most of you have probably heard about using a magicJack for landline phone calls, but now the service is also offering a solution for iOS users at absolutely no cost.

    Laptop adhoc wifiTurn Your Windows 7 Machine into a WiFi Router
    Maryfi is a free app for Windows 7 that will let WiFi clients share the computer’s Internet connection.

    –Downloads–

    Copyright © 2013 CyberNetNews.com

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    Sep 19

    Zune 2 Release Date in November

    Posted in: Today's Chili

    This article was written on October 03, 2007 by CyberNet.

    zune release date Microsoft has unveiled the new Zunes, and the initial reports are good! Engadget says that the Zune’s “definitely have a lot going for them” while jkOnThe Run says that the Zune has taken “2 steps in the right direction.” It’s not so much the hardware that’s going to wow consumers, it’s the software. Of course Microsoft is a software company, so it comes as no surprise that the new line-up has some awesome software-based features. And to boot, Microsoft is taking care of their “early adopters.” The original Zune users will get all of the same software features in an update that the new Zune users will experience. Nice, huh?

    As we reported earlier, there are three new versions of the Zune. There’s the hard drive Zune offered in black with 80GB of storage priced at $250, and then two different Flash versions which are much smaller in size.  The 8GB Flash Zune will sell for $200 while the 4GB Flash Zune will sell for $150. Both of the Flash Zune’s will be offered in pink, green, black, and red (yes, Microsoft ditched the brown). New to the Zune this time around is a new hardware feature called the “Zune Pad.” It’s a touch sensitive pad with up, down, left, and right buttons.

    Now on to the features! There are three main features that have been added:

    1. Wireless Sync –  The Zune will automatically sync over an owners home wireless network. The syncing process will start when the device is set in the dock, plugged in to charge, or a user can manually start the syncing process.
    2. Take your TV shows with you – If you have Media Center for Vista, you can import your recorded TV content from your media center to your Zune to watch on the bus, on your breaks at work, etc.
    3. Extended Wireless Sharing – full length songs, albums, playlists, pictures, and podcasts can be shared from one Zune to another.  Songs that are shared can be listened to for up to three times with no restrictions

     

    Want to see the new Zunes in action? The video below will give a decent idea of what to expect:

    Along with the announcement from Microsoft about the new line-up, they also mentioned that the Zune was going social with “Zune Social” – an online community (in beta) that is “built around and powered by people’s passion for music.” While it sounds nice, I can’t see people going there to share their music tastes with others, and creating a friends list.  There are too many social networks that people are a part of already, so I’m going to speculate and say that Zune Social could potentially be a flop.

    The only thing that the Zune is really lacking is the capability to access the Zune Marketplace wirelessly, otherwise as Engadget said, they definitely have a lot going for them. And the fact that they’re taking care of the early adopters of the original Zune will help them gain user loyalty. People will be willing to purchase another Zune knowing that Microsoft will take care of them in the future. While Microsoft hasn’t given a specific release date, you can expect the new line-up of Zune’s to be released sometime in November.

    If you’d like more info, the Zune Insider and Zune Thoughts would be great resources. They’re both sites dedicated completely to the Zune.

    Copyright © 2013 CyberNetNews.com

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    Aug 18

    Microsoft axing Zune Marketplace rentals and sales, recommends Xbox Video and Music

    Posted in: Today's Chili

    Coinciding with the impending abandonment of Microsoft Points, the ability to rent and purchase media from Zune Marketplace will also be hitting retirement come August 22nd. A recently-posted FAQ on the Xbox website details the changes, directing current users to hurry up and use their remaining points as they’ll be worthless come that EOL date. For future service Microsoft is unsurprisingly pointing users to Xbox Music and Video, noting that the latter will also be accessible on Xbox One, Windows Phone 8 and browsers “later this year.” Unlimited streaming will be accessible through the Xbox Music Pass as you’d expect, and your existing media will continue to function as normal. Better yet, OG Zune Music Pass subscribers will still be able to stream tunes and obtain their 10 free downloads per month. Consider it another inevitable nail in the Zune brand’s coffin, while it lives on through Xbox.

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    Via: The Verge

    Source: Xbox.com

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    Oct 15

    Xbox 360 Dashboard update hands-on (fall 2012)

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    DNP Xbox 360 Dashboard update handson fall 2012

    Is it Fall again already? Must be time for another Xbox 360 Dashboard update. Every year Microsoft Drops the console a little bit of code to match the descending leaves, delivering new features, interface tweaks and additional content to hide behind the Xbox Live Gold paywall. Redmond’s latest update isn’t quite the overhaul it gave the gaming rig last year, but minor changes can have big effects. Join us after the break to see the machine’s latest update, and what it means for you.

    Gallery: Xbox 360 Dashboard update hands-on (Fall 2012)

    Continue reading Xbox 360 Dashboard update hands-on (fall 2012)

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    Xbox 360 Dashboard update hands-on (fall 2012) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Oct 15

    With the launch of Xbox Music, Zune is truly no more (update: Zune Pass users get 1,000 Microsoft point parting gift)

    Posted in: Today's Chili

    With the launch of Xbox Music, Zune is truly no more

    It’s over, folks. Or at least nearly over. Write it down — time of death: 12:01AM ET, October 16. That’s when the Zune brand is officially no more, and “Xbox Music/Video” and its store replace the Zune Marketplace; the final, quiet end of a brand that’s been waning for years. “Yes, the Zune brand is gone, and the Zune products are gone,” Xbox Music GM Jerry Johnson told us in a meeting last week. While Zune devices will still work with Windows 7, and the Zune Pass simply becomes the Xbox Music Pass, the brand is effectively no more, joining the Kin and Microsoft Bob in the annals of MS history.

    Bizarrely, the branding will continue on for Windows 7 and Windows Phone 7 users, with the Zune Marketplace mirroring Xbox Music’s content. That’s likely due to Xbox Music being exclusive to Windows 8 devices (which includes the Xbox 360, despite its age, and Windows Phone 8) — Microsoft promises a continued focus on Xbox Music going forward, while Zune support drops out. In the end, though Zune was a failure for Microsoft, Johnson said it was a worthwhile learning experience for the company. “The Zune brand got associated with a device, and what we did with Xbox Music is actually turn around and say, ‘Let’s build something from the ground up, leveraging what we’ve learned from a lot of these different things.’ But it’s not gonna be device-centric, it’s gonna be service-centric,” he explained.

    In Johnson’s eyes, the failure of Zune as a brand is directly tied to the failure of Zune as a device — and having the highly successful Xbox brand tied to its media offerings, he’s hoping to skirt previous negative perceptions and relaunch Microsoft’s place in media delivery. Whether that’ll happen remains to be seen, but either way, this is the final nail in the Zune’s coffin — not just as a device, but as a thing in the world.

    Update: Looks like Microsoft hasn’t forgotten the loyalty of the diehards who stayed with Zune until the end, as Zune Music Pass users are getting 1,000 Microsoft Points for free along with the switch to Xbox Music.

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    With the launch of Xbox Music, Zune is truly no more (update: Zune Pass users get 1,000 Microsoft point parting gift) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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    Sep 27

    US pricing leaks for incoming Xbox Music service

    Posted in: Today's Chili

    US pricing leaks for incoming Xbox Music service

    Following those British-based leaks yesterday, a second mole has now offered us a glimpse at Xbox Music pricing across the Atlantic. It looks like the Zune successor will offer a longer 30-day free trial, alongside $10 per-month and $100 annual subscriptions. Surprise — looks like Americans are getting a better deal.

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    US pricing leaks for incoming Xbox Music service originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 08:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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