VIA Fights Back Against Intel Suit
UPDATED VIA Technologies today issued a statement declaring it will fight a lawsuit filed by Intel on Friday alleging the Taiwan chip designer infringed on five of the company's patents. VIA's new chipsets, P4X266 and P4M266, allow the usage of DDR DRAM with Pentium 4 processors, an ability that has Intel fuming. VIA claims Intel is scaring motherboard makers into refusing to use the new chipsets by threatening legal action.
In the statement, VIA wrote it "has made full preparations against unreasonable competitive measures," adding, "The company re-emphasizes its consistent stand of respecting intellectual property rights and will take necessary action to fully protect VIA's legal rights."
Pre-Order Windows XP
Microsoft has given word that its retail and OEM partners are gearing up for the launch of Windows XP by accepting pre-orders. A long list of outlets including Amazon.com, Best Buy.com, Costco.com, and CompUSA locations nationwide are participating in order to provide their customers with immediate access to the shrink wrapped product.
Microsoft also announced Upgrade Advisor, a tool that takes advantage of Windows Update technology, providing customers with up-to-date information. Windows XP Upgrade Advisor will assist would be upgraders in making the determination of whether or not their systems are ready to handle the switch over to the newly minted operating system.
DOJ: No Microsoft Break-up
Following a Federal Appeals Court ruling that upheld Microsoft's alleged violations of the Sherman Act, the Department of Justice has postured itself to enforce a structural remedy on Microsoft rather than settle the case behind closed doors. Today, in a surprise announcement, the government reversed course and informed Microsoft that a break-up of the company was out of the question. Instead, the Justice Department is focusing on providing quick and effective relief through conduct-related provisions intended to rein in the software giant.
Efforts to seek a rehearing regarding the alleged illegal bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows 95 and 98 will also be dropped, according to government officials.
Pocket PC 2002 Makes First Appearance
Further pushing the envelope for handheld computing, Microsoft will debut Pocket PC 2002 Thursday at the DEMOmobile Conference in San Diego. Code-named Merlin, the Pocket PC upgrade is aimed at business users, touting improved wireless networking and added support for virtual private networks. An updated Windows Media Player will provide for mobile entertainment, allowing users to watch video clips and listen to music stored on the device.
With the recent corporate push to mobile communication, Microsoft has made certain its OS steps up to the plate with added standards support. Pocket PC 2002 will enable the use of Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless networking. Users will also be now able to manipulate files on a device remotely via cabled or wireless connection.
Nero Enables DVD Creation, Utilizes mp3PRO
Recent crack downs on the illegal distribution of digital media are set to be challenged by the introduction of robust new audio formats and storage devices into the consumer mainstream. As these technologies become more commonplace, several forward looking companies adopt support early on. Ahead Software has done just that by incorporating support for mp3PRO and multi-function DVD recording drives into Nero 5.5.
mp3PRO is the successor to the wildly popular MP3 audio format, which opened the flood gates for online music swapping through services such as Napster. Ahead introduced the first recording software to utilize MP3, and has since licensed mp3PRO as well, banking on the format's continued dominance. However, competing file formats such as Ogg Vorbis, Windows Media, and Real have garnered attention from music fans by offering their own distinct advantages.
Opera Releases Beta Browser for Mac OS X
Opera Software has released the first beta of their Opera 5 for Mac OS X Carbon Web browser (Screenshot). This release brings Mac OS X users the ability to use the keychain -- used by the operating system when securing information -- for storing Web passwords, along with URL auto-complete, a feature introduced in July with the release of Opera for Mac Beta 2. An extra button set is also offered, which is meant to blend in with OS X.
"The development toward a final version for all systems for Mac users is important to us," said Opera Chief Technology Officer, Hakon W. Lie in a statement. "We are very happy to announce that we now can offer the same stability to all our Mac users."
Preparations Made for XP Updates
Microsoft is beginning to unveil plans surrounding Windows XP updates that will debut concurrently with the new operating system. Windows zealot, Paul Thurrott, is reporting that a new version of Windows Messenger -- adding Exchange Server 2000 compatibility -- and Movie Maker 1.2 with added Windows Media support will be available for download via Windows Update come October.
Bringing good news to multimedia enthusiasts, Thurrott also states the controversial MP3 and DVD add-ons to Windows XP will be less expensive than previously thought. The MP3 addition will run under $10 USD, with DVD playback costing between $10 and $15 USD from a variety of vendors. Both packs will be available for download from the Web.
Microsoft Issues Second Windows XP Embedded Beta
In its latest attempt to gain a foothold in the market for embedded systems and devices, Microsoft has released a second beta version of Windows XP Embedded to developers. Facing stiff competition ranging from relatively unknown niche businesses to Sun Microsystems and Linux backers, the software giant is actively seeking partners to ensure industry adoption of its offerings. Windows XP embedded offers a componentized version of the operating system that is built upon the Windows 2000 code base.
Enhancements include improved security and reliability, the latest multimedia capabilities Redmond has to offer, support for a broad range of networking protocols, tools for remote management, and the ability to hot swap hardware. Microsoft has also included rapid development tools to assist customers in deploying customized solutions that correspond with their specific needs.
VMware Unveils Workstation 3.0 Beta
VMware today announced a beta release of its upcoming Workstation 3.0 desktop virtualization software. VMware Workstation allows multiple operating systems to run as virtual computers within a single Windows NT or Linux environment. Version 3.0 will add support for Windows XP, USB devices, DVD-ROM, CD-RW and DVD-RW drives. NAT is now built-in and up to nine virtual Ethernet switches are supported.
"Workstation 3.0 is our most powerful and comprehensive desktop software release ever," said VMware CEO Diane Greene in today's press release. "It's faster, easier to use and supports a wide range of peripheral devices. The result of 2 1/2 years of experience with hundreds of thousands of users, Workstation 3.0 is a compelling, must-have product for power developers and other technical professionals."
Microsoft UK Offers Free XP Desktop Trial
Hoping to encourage a transition to Office XP, as well as Windows XP when it arrives this October, Microsoft UK is offering a free evaluation pack to businesses looking to preview the software. Visio 2002 and Project 2000 will also be made available to those who request the additional tools. After slow adoption of Windows 2000 and more recently Office XP, the software giant hopes a free trial will give corporations a chance to see value in the upgrade.
While Microsoft states the pack contains a 30-day trial CD with Office XP, the business copy of Windows XP will function for 180 days after installation. It is not clear, however, whether Microsoft will send Release Candidate 2 -- the last prerelease milestone -- or RTM copies of Windows XP.
HP, Compaq to Merge in $25 Billion Deal
Sending shockwaves throughout the computing industry, Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Computer announced late Monday plans to merge in a deal valued at almost $25 billion. The resulting company, 64% owned by HP and 36% owned by Compaq, will have a combined revenue stream of $87 billion, just shy of top computer company IBM. The new HP will be split into four operating units and become the largest manufacturer of servers, handhelds, printers, and imaging devices.
The deal is expected to close in the first half of next year, but could be delayed by possible antitrust queries.
Interview: Ogg Vorbis Frees the Music
While industry giants battle over a secure audio platform, a team of developers is taking a radically different approach -- establishing a completely open source music format free of any licensing restrictions. While still in its development phase, Ogg Vorbis is already giving new proprietary formats such as mp3PRO and Windows Media a run for their money. BetaNews recently spoke with Vorbis Product Manager, Jack Moffitt, to discuss the project and learn more about the recent release of RC2 on the road to 1.0.
BetaNews: RC1 brought some major changes to the [Ogg Vorbis] format and boasted some big numbers to compete with mp3PRO. What is new in RC2 and what do you think the impact of those changes will be?
Sony Cans BeIA-Based eVilla
Putting to rest the final effort from Be, Inc. to establish its BeIA embedded platform, Sony announced yesterday that it will cease offering the eVilla Web appliance. The news comes less than two months after the $499 BeIA-based machine made its first appearance. A full refund will be offered to eVilla users, including all Internet service fees.
Although Sony claims the decision has nothing to do with the purchase of Be's assets by Palm earlier this month, executives blame "stability and usability" problems -- both of which revolve around the BeIA operating system that powers the device. Palm made clear at the time that it had no plans to further develop or support BeIA, placing Sony in a tough position with customers.
XP Given Green Light in Europe
Despite increased pressure from the European Commission over antitrust concerns, Microsoft confirmed today that the Commission will not seek to block the launch of Windows XP. The Commission also merged two cases against Microsoft, one focusing on Windows Media Player and another covering Windows 2000 in the server market. There are no plans, however, to involve Windows XP -- set to debut October 25 -- in the investigation.
"Microsoft has long believed that the merger of these two cases is a prerequisite to a resolution of the company's issues in Brussels and therefore welcomes this merger as a constructive step in the ongoing dialogue on these issues," the software giant said in a statement.
Sun Details StarOffice 6
This week at LinuxWorld, Sun Microsytems is demonstrating the latest incarnation of its popular StarOffice Suite several weeks after placing a teaser on its Web site to gauge public interest. While details have not yet publicly emerged, BetaNews was able to catch up with Sun to get the scoop on version 6.0.
After a long wait, localized versions featuring support for Asian languages have finally materialized – something Sun hopes will lead to world wide acceptance. Overall, the focus of this release will be centered on ease of use rather than adding an over abundance of new features. Performance, compatibility, and the introduction of XML as the suite's default file format are among several areas that have received attention by developers.
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