Sep 30

Nokia passes off Symbian and 2,300 employees to Accenture

Posted in: cellphone, cellphones, Microsoft, mobilepostcross, nokia, Phones, smartphone, Smartphones, symbian, Today's Chili, Windows


After placing all bets on Windows Phone, Stephen Elop announced that Nokia would slowly phase out its OG operating system, Symbian. Today, it’s officially passed the torch, handing over all Symbian-related duties to Accenture, a consulting and outsourcing firm. 2,300 former Nokia employees will also be repurposed, getting a new name on their paycheck as they tend to the ill-fated OS. The Finnish mainstay says the arrangement will last until at least 2016, and plans to continually roll out updates during this time. Not everyone is hanging on another five years though, as it seems that at least 500 employees have jumped ship or found new gigs within the company since the original announcement predicting 2,800 reassignments. Head past the break to find the full (and very terse) press release.

Continue reading Nokia passes off Symbian and 2,300 employees to Accenture

Nokia passes off Symbian and 2,300 employees to Accenture originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 30

CyberWare: 3D Desktop for Windows is Sure to Impress Friends

Posted in: Apple, Freeware, Microsoft, Reviews, Screenshots, Software, Today's Chili

This article was written on March 06, 2007 by CyberNet.

CyberNet's CyberWare
Tracking Down Great Software For You!

There is no doubt that 3D is going to be the way of the future when it comes to software as we have already seen with XGL in Linux. Windows seems to be falling behind in that respect, but there is a free program available to Windows users that offers a unique minimizing effect to the programs currently running on your computer.

The free program that I’m talking about is called Mandotate, and is found over in the Neowin forums (download mirror). The program, which was made available nearly 3 years ago, has begun to resurface as a popular freeware application. One thing that you should note before trying it out is that there is no installation of the program required, however, it does need you to install a registry key by double-clicking on the install.reg file that’s included. This registry setting is used to save your settings for the program.

So what does Mandotate do? It is similar to the Project Looking Glass in some sense, and is essentially another alternative to minimizing your computer. When you have it running there will be a button with a trapezoidal shape next to a window’s minimize button:

3D Desktop

After you press that button is when the magic happens. Windows will begin to angle themselves so that you can easily see what lies behind them. You can then drag them around and reposition them so that they are exactly where you want them:

3D Desktop

As you drag windows closer to the middle of the screen they will get thinner and thinner until they essentially disappear. You can kinda see this happening in the screenshot I took above, where the bottom Firefox window is “thicker” than the one located above it. Even though the windows may disappear there will still be the little tabs that stick out which make it easy to identify which windows are which.

So what have I noticed bad about the program? I have had it crash on “minimizing” certain programs which kinda sucks, but it doesn’t crash my whole computer or anything. I just see an error box popup in some other language and I press OK which closes the application. The other thing that I have noticed which is very annoying is a shadow box that shows up around the title box for the “minimized” window. Sometimes even after returning the window back to normal the shadow still appears, and I haven’t figured out a way to get rid of it besides restarting the computer. Those little tags can be disabled though, which is what I have done. I am running this on Vista which isn’t mentioned as a supported operating system and could be my problem, but it is still really cool.

I am hoping that a similar application will eventually emerge that uses Vista’s Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). If that happened then we would probably be able to see live previews of applications as they were angled, such as watching a movie play. In order to take advantage of any program using WPF will require that you have a graphics card capable of running Aero. As Vista gets more popular we will surely see WPF applications popping up left and right, and I am anxious to see what ideas developers can come up with that really showcase the power Vista harnesses.

Download Mirror

Source: Neowin [via Digg]

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Sep 29

New Updates Increase Vista’s Performance

Posted in: Microsoft, performance, Software, Today's Chili, Windows, Windows Vista

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

Vista Update Microsoft has quietly released four new updates for Vista that improve on performance and reliability. As of right now it’s unclear as to which of these updates, if any, will be made available on October 9th’s Patch Tuesday, but they are currently all available for individual download.

The first update that I want to mention really caught my attention. It is said to improve battery life, increase stability, and much more. Here’s a list of the more prominent things that it is supposed to improve, as well as some of the issues it is supposed to solve:

  • It extends the battery life for mobile devices.
  • It improves the reliability of Windows Vista when you open the menu of a startup application.
  • It improves the stability of Internet Explorer when you open a Web page.
  • It improves the stability of wireless network services.
  • It shortens the startup time of Windows Vista by using a better timing structure.
  • It shortens the recovery time after Windows Vista experiences a period of inactivity.
  • Resolves a compatibility issue that affects some third-party antivirus software applications.
  • Resolves a reliability issue that occurs when a Windows Vista-based computer uses certain network driver configurations.

The homepage for the update (KB941649) is here, and there are both 32-bit and 64-bit flavors available for download. It appears that this update is still in testing though, and Microsoft recommends that you do not install it yet unless you’re experiencing issues that it resolves:

This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix.

Meh, that makes it sound like it’s not coming out until Vista SP1 is released so I installed it anyway. :) Things do seem to be chugging along a bit faster than they were.

The other updates aren’t quite as important in my opinion, but are still worth mentioning:

  • KB941229 (32-bit or 64-bit) – Update for Vista Media Center which resolves several issues.
  • KB941600 (32-bit or 64-bit) – Fixes critical USB issues.
  • KB941651 (32-bit or 64-bit) – Improves the reliability of Windows Media Player 11, but the homepage for the hotfix isn’t available so we’re not quite sure what it’s for.

Source: Techarena

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Sep 29

Video of iPhone Settings and Ringtones

Posted in: Apple, Gadgets, iPhone, Microsoft, Screenshots, Today's Chili

This article was written on June 25, 2007 by CyberNet.

Despite the fact that the iPhone will be released in just a few short days, we still really haven’t heard much about the details of the phone in regards to settings, and even some of its features. A recent video floating around the web gives us a glimpse at some of the settings that you can expect, including a sample of a few ringtones.

There’s a whole list of new details here, I’ll just point out some of the ones that stood out for me. From the movie, we learn:

  • Included with the iPhone is an in-line viewer for PDFs, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel documents in email.
  • Want to listen to a portion of a voicemail again? Rewind it like a sound file.
  • iPhone headphones include volume and call control.
  • Limited ringtone selection available in the start menu, and Gizmodo points out that it doesn’t look like songs can be used.
  • Confirmed IMAP/POP support

Cost

Now, another thing we haven’t heard any official announcement on is the price of the service plan. While there is still no word yet, using the current prices that AT&T charges for their BlackBerry users, we can get an estimate of what you might expect.  Currently, BlackBerry users are charged between $34.99 and $79.99 per month for data, and between $49.99 to $99.99 for voice. Assuming that iPhone pricing will be similar, we can expect the range of prices to be between $84.98 and $179.98.

Remember, if you decide to purchase an iPhone, you will be required to sign a two year service contract.  Should you decide that you don’t want the phone/service anymore, you will incur a $175 cancellation fee.

iPhone Shortcomings?

Engadget is reporting that a “trusted source” of theirs has been fooling around with an iPhone, and not all of their reactions were positive.For example, they pointed out that the keyboard was “disappointing,” and often times registers multiple keys because of the two-fingered nature of the keyboard. If you plan on doing a lot of typing, it’s possible that you’re better off sticking with your BlackBerry. Another shortcoming mentioned was that the touchscreen took some rough-handling at times before it would register the input, which is certainly something that would take getting used to.

When you head into an Apple store or AT&T store on Friday, be sure you play around with the phone before you commit to buying it, and make sure that it’s something you’d want for two years.  I’d hate for anyone to have to shell out the $175 required in cancellation fees.

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Sep 29

Microsoft announces new $10 Zune Music Pass, expands service to Canada

Posted in: canada, Microsoft, Today's Chili, zune

It may not enjoy quite the same level of buzz that the likes of Spotify, Rdio and MOG have been basking in lately, but Microsoft’s Zune service is still kicking, and the company’s now working to make it a bit more appealing and more widely available. For folks in the US, the big change today is a new $10 per month Zune Music Pass, which is identical to the existing $15 service with the notable exception that you no longer get to keep ten free MP3s each month (that $15 option remains available to existing subscribers, though). Elsewhere, Microsoft has also now finally brought the Zune Marketplace and Zune Pass to Canada — it opens up on October 3rd, with the Zune Pass running the same $10/month (or $100 for a year of service).

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Microsoft announces new $10 Zune Music Pass, expands service to Canada originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceWindows Phone Blog, Zune Insider  | Email this | Comments

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Sep 29

Microsoft Launches Google Gears Competitor

Posted in: Microsoft, Software, Today's Chili

This article was written on November 05, 2007 by CyberNet.

microsoft Developers who are wanting to take their web services and databases offline now have a new technology at their disposal called Microsoft Sync Framework. Mary Jo Foley over at ZDNet reports that Microsoft posted the test build for download just yesterday on November 4th, and it will work for any file type including music, contacts, videos, images and settings, and more.

Apparently Microsoft has been working on a synchronization solution for quite some time. In fact, this new Microsoft Sync Framework was previously code-named Ibiza/Harmonica and was mentioned here and described as the “core metadata layer that will be at the heart of Microsoft’s online/offline synchronization technologies and strategies.”. This new framework could be Microsoft’s response to Google Gears which launched back in May as Google’s solution for taking online applications offline.

There are so many benefits with allowing users to use web-based applications both online and offline that it makes sense for Microsoft to develop their own framework to do this.  Microsoft talked about these advantages and said:

The advantage of a synchronization-based solution is that users are no longer required to have a constant network connection to access their information. Since their data is stored locally they are given constant access to their data while offloading processing requirements from the central database. Furthermore, the user is no longer limited by the network speed and can now access the data at the speed of the device.

For those of you who want to download Microsoft Sync Framework, head on over to Microsoft’s download center.  Depending on the components that you want, the download will range in size from 820 KB to 25.7 MB. Here are some of the highlights that Microsoft points out:

  • Add sync support to new and existing applications, services, and devices
  • Enable collaboration and offline capabilities for any application
  • Roam and share information from any data store, over any protocol, and over any network configuration
  • Leverage sync capabilities exposed in Microsoft technologies to create sync ecosystems
  • Extend the architecture to support custom data types including files

Copyright © 2011 CyberNetNews.com

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Sep 29

Microsoft reportedly adding video from Comcast, Verizon, HBO Go and others to Xbox Live

Posted in: hdpostcross, Microsoft, streaming, Today's Chili, verizon, xbox 360, xbox live, Xbox360, XboxLive

Microsoft announced new integration with live TV as a part of the Xbox 360’s fall update during E3 earlier this year, but didn’t name any US pay-TV partners at the time. Now, anonymous rumors recently posted on Digiday suggested the folks at Redmond were looking to work with Verizon and Comcast, followed by Bloomberg hearing similar talk from its own “people with knowledge of the situation.” Today’s rumors finger Verizon (which showed off live TV on a variety of devices at CES), Comcast, HBO, Crackle, Bravo, Syfy and UK service Lovefilm as likely partners. Missing from the list is AT&T’s U-verse, which already offers an Xbox 360 tie-in and distributes its IPTV on the Mediaroom platform, just like some of the international partners previously announced. If these services launch it will be interesting to see how the integration works and if it’s VOD like the existing Xfinity TV and Flex View mobile apps, or if providers cross the IPTV bridge with in-home devices like the Televation / AnyPlay box.

Microsoft reportedly adding video from Comcast, Verizon, HBO Go and others to Xbox Live originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Joystiq, Technically Philly  |  sourceBloomberg  | Email this | Comments

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Sep 28

Microsoft and Samsung sitting in a tree, patent s-h-a-r-i-n-g

Posted in: Android, Microsoft, mobilepostcross, patent, patents, samsung, Today's Chili, windows phone, WindowsPhone
Microsoft put on its nicest suit when it invited Samsung to the patent-licensing barn dance. Whatever it whispered as the two snuggled close during the slow jams about rescuing the Korean giant from the quagmire of Android litigation, it worked. Sammy has entered into a deal to license Redmond’s vast patent archive and, if the rumors are to be believed, it will pay $15 per handset sold for the privilege. (No word on if that includes the $45 million in fees that would just cover sales of the Galaxy S II.) This seems like it could be an implicit vote of no-confidence concerning Google’s promises that its acquisition of Motorola would make courtroom drama a thing of the past. There’s also a strong reference to the pair collaborating on Mango, and we can only assume that it comes with a significantly less punitive licensing charge in place. Between Android, Windows Phone, Bada and Tizen, it’s clear Samsung is hedging its operating system bets. There’s a press release after the break, but take our word on it, at no point does it mention Steve Ballmer, lying naked on a bed of money, laughing to himself.

Continue reading Microsoft and Samsung sitting in a tree, patent s-h-a-r-i-n-g

Microsoft and Samsung sitting in a tree, patent s-h-a-r-i-n-g originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 28

PSA: Force Windows Phone 7.5 Mango to update, right now

Posted in: mango, Microsoft, mobilepostcross, smartphone, Smartphones, software update, SoftwareUpdate, Today's Chili, update, windows phone, WindowsPhone

Windows Phone 7.5 has officially landed, but unless you’re among a fortunate few, Redmond’s tropical getaway might seem like only a twinkle on the horizon. In a wild turn of events, we’ve now stumbled across (and confirmed) a method that promises instant Mango gratification, and if you’re so inclined, we hope you’ll find similar luck. Here’s the gist: something very special happens when you run the update and then promptly disable your internet connection — about one second seems to do the trick. We first checked for Mango and kept WiFi enabled; the Zune software dutifully reported that our phone was up-to-date. Then, we executed the process and disconnected the internet… and wouldn’t you know it, the update presented itself. Now, we’re happily frolicking through Microsoft’s latest delights on our Focus. If you’re willing to try your luck, you’ll find a full list of instructions in the source. Here’s one final tip: once it’s reported that an update is available, be sure to restore that internet connection.

[Thanks, Rohit]

PSA: Force Windows Phone 7.5 Mango to update, right now originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sep 28

Google drops cloud computing lawsuit against US Department of the Interior

Posted in: cloud, Google, government, lawsuit, Microsoft, minipost, money, politics, Today's Chili
Last year, Google filed a lawsuit against the US Department of the Interior, on allegations that the government unfairly awarded a $59 million cloud computing contract to Microsoft without conducting a sufficiently competitive auction. Big G won an injunction against the department in January, effectively putting the contract on hold, and it looked as if the company would prevail, with Judge Susan Braden recently declaring that there was a “justifiable basis” for dispute. Last week, however, Google decided to drop the suit altogether, after filing a motion in the US Court of Federal Claims. “Based on the defendant’s agreement to update its market research and then conduct a procurement in a manner that will not preclude plaintiffs from fairly competing, plaintiffs respectfully move for dismissal of this action without prejudice,” the company’s attorney wrote in the motion, filed on Thursday. Federal lawyers, however, responded by claiming that the two sides have not reached an agreement, while confirming that it had no problem with Google’s decision to cease litigation. It remains to be seen whether the two sides have truly reached an agreement, or whether the litigation may wear on, but we’ll keep you abreast of any future developments.

Google drops cloud computing lawsuit against US Department of the Interior originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceInformation Week  | Email this | Comments

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