Hasta La Gadget!

Well, it took two months, but the European Commission has finally decided that Microsoft’s idea for a Windows 7 ballot screen, in which users pick which web browser they want installed, is acceptable, saying it’ll give users “an effective and unbiased choice between Internet Explorer and competing Web browsers.” Previously MS was working on a custom version of the OS for EU shores, called Windows 7 E, but nobody was particularly fond of that idea. We’re glad to see the European Commission and Microsoft finally starting to warm to each other — maybe money can buy you love.

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

European Commission likes Windows 7 browser ballot screen, will probably fine Microsoft anyway originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s hard to believe that BUG Labs has been helping tinkerers thinker for two whole years now, particularly when you realize that its BUGbase has been operating sans WiFi all along. At long last, after a painful battle with the licensing overlords connected to WiFi and Bluetooth, BUG has finally received approval to ship the BUGbase WiFi (which does BT as well) both here in the States as well as in Europe. Aside from those two huge additions, BUG also upgraded the device with a friction-fit docking connector and improved power management, not to mention a few subtle “under the hood” tweaks designed to make everyone’s lives a little easier. Oh, and for existing BUGbase owners? A special BUGWiFi module will be shipping in a few weeks, and yes, all of BUG’s other modules will be compatible with either base. Once you’re done hopping around like a jovial schoolgirl, feel free to order your own BUGbase WiFi now for $449.

Filed under: Peripherals

BUGbase WiFi finally overcomes, ships in the US and Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don’t be sad. We know it hurts but that’s what happens when your emotions exceed reason. The Zune HD will be a US exclusive when it goes on sale September 15th just as it was when the original Zune brownie went on sale back in November 2006. Here’s what Microsoft told Ars:

“For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only. Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now.”

Plenty of fodder for conspiracy types here. First, that means Canada is out, even though older Zune models are already on sale there. But the words “for the time being” leave plenty of wiggle room for an international launch window. And what does Microsoft mean by the generically phrased, “future hardware experiences?” Are they referring to a Zune service destined to “transcend Zune the device” later this year? Perhaps. One thing is clear: consumers are far more excited about the Zune HD than the original — especially now that Apple’s cat is out of the bag. Microsoft could be leaving a ton of money on the table if they don’t go global, quick.

[Thanks, Safir]

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Zune HD International launch hopes crushed by Microsoft, others raised originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Now that Nokia’s Maemo-powered N900 is looking mighty nice and official, the company’s Germany and Italian arms have no problem going ahead and taking your hard-earned Euros in exchange for a pre-order. Both sites are actually listing it for €599 (US $860), or €99 more than what we heard yesterday. A pretty huge discrepancy, to be sure, but it’s not unlike Nokia to have a flagship phone fluctuate in price. That October release date is a ways off, but if you’re absolutely convinced this must be in your pocket by Halloween, you know where to go.

[Via Slashgear]

Read – Nokia Germany
Read – Nokia Italy

Filed under: Cellphones

Nokia N900 now giving Germany and Italy a way to pre-order originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony just announced a bunch of tweaks and additions to the PS3, PSP, and PlayStation Network at GamesCom, chief among them the new PS3 firmware 3.0. The new code features animated themes with avatars, a new status indicator, a modified friends list, assorted interface changes, tweaks to trophies, and a What’s New section that replaces the Information Board. Sony’s also bringing the PlayStation Video store to the UK, France, Germany and Spain in November, with more planned expansion in 2010 — customers will be able to rent and buy films in SD and HD, and while it’ll open with just movies, other content will be added as time goes on. The PSP is also getting a Digital Reader comics viewer, with lots of heavy hitters like Marvel on board to provide content — Marvel says the PSP could become their biggest distribution outlet. We’ll see about that — for now, check a video of firmware 3.0 after the break.

Update: Digital Reader press release after the break.

Continue reading Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer

Filed under: Gaming

Sony announces PS3 firmware 3.0, European PlayStation Video Store, Digital Reader comics viewer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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