Microsoft: No Java in Windows XP
In a startling blow to cross-platform developers, Microsoft has announced it will not include support for the Java programming language in the upcoming Windows XP. After settling a lawsuit with Java creator Sun Microsystems in January, the software giant decided the easiest way to prevent further litigation was to simply remove the code entirely. The settlement stipulated that Microsoft would no longer license Java from Sun, and refrain from stating that Windows is "Java Compatible." Outdated Java support will remain available as an added download from Windows Update if required.
Java's removal from the software giant's new operating system comes on the heels of announcements surrounding .NET, Microsoft Web services based on XML. These services are accessed over the Internet from a variety of devices. Coincidentally, Sun has been developing its own Java-based version of .NET, dubbed Jini. However, Microsoft vehemently denies claims that it intends to phase out support for Java as an attack on Sun.
The Hidden Costs of XP Home Networking
In order to provide home and small business users with instantaneous networking solutions, Microsoft is including native support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Internet gateways in Windows XP. Teaming up with leading manufacturers, the software giant is making certain that future product offerings remain UPnP compliant. This announcement underscores the software giant's push for small Windows XP powered networks.
According to today's press release, "Universal Plug and Play is a key
element in Microsoft's vision of home networking, in which smart devices, PCs and the services they provide are "peers" on a network and communicate via a digital information exchange." With UPnP compatibility, standalone devices connect seamlessly with one another even across multiple vendors. But despite embracing this industry initiative for fast and easy connectivity, Microsoft's own policies may add bottlenecks to the process.
In Depth: Napster Subscriptions
UPDATED In the dark for nearly three weeks, the existing Napster has taken a back seat while the company prepares to launch its fee-based subscription service. Set to debut late summer, Napster hopes to attract paying customers and simultaneously make amends with the recording industry by sharing only licensed music. Despite claims last month that MusicNet would exclusively power the subscriptions, Napster announced Monday an extended partnership with PlayMedia Systems to provide music in a new, secure format.
PlayMedia, known for its AMP MP3 technology that originally powered Winamp, has collaborated with Napster and Digital World Services to create a new proprietary codec for the upcoming subscription service. A company spokesperson told BetaNews the Napster service will offer a completely new audio format - an offshoot of MP3 based around AMP with an extension of .NAP. Digital rights management will also be incorporated into NAP using technology from Digital World Services.
Sun Releases Final J2EE Beta
A second beta version of Sun's Java 2 Enterprise Edition version 1.3 was unveiled on Monday. eWEEK reports that this build will be the final beta prior to a September release of the finished code. As Sun moves closer to fulfilling its latest Enterprise JavaBeans Spec, new features
and enhancements have been included in this release.
The most significant features include a query language for rapidly finding and exchanging information, a push for Web services via expanded support for XML, easier integration of legacy information systems, and integration with Java Messaging Service (JMS) through Message Driven Enterprise JavaBeans, for legacy data and multi-client interoperability.
Microsoft Unveils XP Add-ons for MP3, DVD
Dodging accusations that it was including only rudimentary support for MP3 ripping in favor of its own WMA format, Microsoft today announced
plans to release two multimedia add-on packs for Windows XP. The first pack adds support for high quality MP3 ripping from a CD directly through Windows Media Player, as well as other enhanced features. Redmond's sudden embrace of third party plug-ins for its proprietary Media Player comes at a time when the company is attempting to settle its antitrust woes.
The second pack allows for software-based DVD playback on systems that do not have actual DVD decoders. Microsoft has partnered with Cyberlink Corp, Intervideo Inc. and RAVISENT Technologies to author the extension to Windows.
Full screen controls and support for All Media Guide's DVD metadata will be included as well.
Unauthorized XP Copies Slip Out - Again
For the second time within one week, security for the Windows XP public beta was breached. Several readers reported the vulnerability to BetaNews late last night, confirming that it was possible to download the pre-release code. The server configuration was not fixed until 3:30 PM EST today. A mistake was made when Microsoft hosting partner Conxion attempted to filter an earlier leak of the preview. While the servers successfully blocked access to a lowercase URL, pirates quickly noticed a failure to block uppercase versions, a feature inherent to Microsoft's IIS.
A Conxion official attributed the glitch to, "an inconsistency in filtering user access." Once again, no activation keys were made available to hackers who downloaded the software. Conxion maintains that services for its paying customers did not experience a disruption as a result of the flood of unauthorized downloads. The company remains the primary Microsoft partner that oversees the software giant's mass downloads.
Beta Test LockDown Millennium
As techniques used by hackers and malicious programs become more sophisticated, the danger persists that even the most careful user can become a victim. Aiming to ensure a secure computing environment, New Hampshire based LockDown Corporation is seeking 200 additional
beta testers to participate in the development of its LockDown Millennium and LockDown Millennium Pro Internet protection software. The beta is open to testers of all nationalities running either 9x or NT-based versions of Windows. Support for Windows XP is included in all of the featured products.
More suited toward home and small business users, LockDown Millennium
features enhanced trojan detection and removal functions. The premium LockDown Millennium Pro includes tools to monitor network conditions,
enforce policies on cookies and scripting, a Web monitor, and a utility to audit files.
Microsoft Partners with Pressplay for MSN Music
Confirming rumors leaked earlier this week, Microsoft and pressplay announced today a partnership to bring pressplay's music subscription service to MSN subscribers, as well as offer Windows Media as an audio format for other pressplay affiliates. MSN Music, first launched in April, will now provide the ability to browse and listen to pressplay's music catalog. Users will be able to create customized playlists, and download or stream music on demand.
A joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, pressplay plans to launch its music subscription service late summer. Facing early skepticism from critics, today's announcement adds credibility to the technology which has yet to materialize in public view.
Microsoft Settles Antitrust Case with New Mexico
Following yesterday's decision to change provisions of Windows' licensing, Microsoft has taken another step toward solving its legal
woes. New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid and Microsoft have announced that the state's antitrust case against the software giant has been settled.
The Associated Press reports that the Redmond, Washington, based company has agreed to pay all legal costs incurred in the case and according to Madrid, the state will also receive any "penalties and remedies imposed in the continuing federal antitrust case." She additionally noted that the settlement serves the interests of the state's consumers and businesses alike.
Office XP Bug Opens System to Outsiders
UPDATED Since its introduction, Microsoft's ActiveX technology has been plagued by a seemingly endless flow of security vulnerabilities. The latest flaw discovered by famed bug-hunter Georgi Guninski does nothing to soften the technology's bug laden image. This time, Microsoft Outlook View Control, an ActiveX control that ships with Office, grants malicious users unlimited access to a target system. Although it was first reported that Office XP was solely vulnerable, Microsoft has since issued a security bulletin revealing that all versions of Outlook including 98 are affected.
According to Guninski's findings, "If a user visits a specially designed HTML page with IE or opens or previews a message with Outlook XP arbitrary commands may be executed on his computer." This exploit is accomplished by accessing the Outlook executable, allowing an intruder to read, modify, or delete messages contained in Outlook's folders using a property called "selection."
Microsoft Loosens Grip on OEMs
In a move aimed at granting more freedom to OEMs, provisions of the licensing agreement for Windows have been changed. Microsoft announced today what amounts to a reversal of some of the stringent requirements it has imposed on OEMS in the past. The recent Appeals Court ruling prompted Microsoft to alter specific areas of the Windows licensing agreement that were in violation of Federal anti-trust laws. The flexibility to add and remove components from Internet Explorer, as well as to choose the placement of Start menu shortcuts and desktop icons has been granted to computer manufacturers. The decision to make changes in the agreement will not affect the October 25 launch date of Windows XP, despite requiring slight changes to its code.
The software giant has moved to take immediate steps to appease the court, recognizing what the court considers to be its wrong doings. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer stated today, "We recognize that some provisions in our existing Windows licenses have been ruled improper by the court, so we are providing computer manufacturers with greater flexibility and we are doing this immediately so that computer manufacturers can take advantage of them in planning for the upcoming release of Windows XP." Ballmer also remarked that this decision in no way replaces settlement talks with the government, stating that the company was willing to iron out any lingering issues.
Our Take: AOL in the Kitchen
Internet appliances have been facing a lot of criticism lately, and for good reason. Sales of most have been slow, and integration with users' existing home networks and ISP accounts has been poor. The InstantAOL TouchPad from Gateway offers the average home user the best option for adding another Internt access point in the house.
The device runs a Linux-based version of AOL, using the Netscape Gecko engine as the internal browser - a feature which is speculated to be in the works for AOL's next desktop client. The TouchPad is the first product product from AOL to use Gecko, with a similar PlayStation 2 client expected later this year.
Microsoft, VeriSign Secure .NET
Since Microsoft announced its upcoming .NET and Hailstorm services, the company has faced much criticism from security experts and privacy advocates. In turn, Microsoft has decided to add an extra touch of security by extending its
partnership with VeriSign. In addition to Microsoft's own Passport authentication system, the integrity of certain transactions will be
augmented by digital certificates. Both companies were eager to point out that the extra security measure does not require any additional
passwords.
Although Passport will remain the standard method of authentication for most of the .NET services, particular scenarios demand enhanced security. In instances were users transfers funds, or divulge sensitive personal information such as their medical history, a certain level of trust is required. Mountain View, California, based VeriSign touts its
digital certificates as the solution to these concerns. Both companies will collaborate on fine tuning the technology as Microsoft's Hailstorm
progresses.
Beta Test Philips' New MP3 Boombox
Philips is looking for beta testers to try out its latest MP3 offering, the eXpanium AZ1155. This "MP3-CD Soundmachine" features the ability to play any CD you create, a dual color LCD, simplified navigation, and a digital tuner. Applications will be accepted until July 24, whereupon 50 lucky participants will be chosen at random. Testers will be required to use the product for 8 weeks and complete two online questionaires.
The AZ1155 MP3-CD Soundmachine may have been designed to look great, but Philips is also touting the player's sound. According to the company, the Philips "UltraBass2 and acoustically tuned Bass Reflex bodies with great output power will carry your music far and wide." Additionally, because CDs can hold hundreds of MP3s, the boombox has a built-in jog dial for easily browsing music.
Understanding the WPA Whitepaper
Following Fully Licensed GmbH's public release of a highly technical whitepaper filled with revelations of the secrets behind Windows Product Activation, many users have rushed to read the findings only to find them downright confusing and cryptic. BetaNews sat down with Thomas Lopatic, one of the paper's authors, to gain further insight into the research - minus the technical jargon.
Thomas Lopatic: Thanks for your interest in our WPA paper. We appreciate your efforts to make its contents available to a much wider audience. As the primary author of the paper, I'll answer the questions you sent to Matthias.
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