Microsoft Pushes CE Development With 'Talisker'
Microsoft released the second beta of "Talisker," the latest version of Windows CE, Monday. Talisker Beta 2 will be the final test release before the final version of the software is issued at the end of the year.
Available as free download or for the cost of shipping a CD, Talisker is Microsoft's first open beta of an embedded operating system. The downloadable image is in the form of an emulator, allowing developers to more easily begin working on the new OS without having to first purchase additional hardware, and runs on Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
Creative Introduces 'Audigy'
Continuing its drive toward domination of the computer audio market, Creative has developed what will serve to be the heart of its next generation sound cards. The newly dubbed Audigy processor combined with EAX Advanced HD software will provide enhanced audio playback while securing digital copyrights. Products will be marketed toward different interest groups – such as gamers and music aficionados.
With four times the processing power of its predecessor, Audigy is set to replace the EMU10K1 chip, the company's former headlining technology that powers current Sound Blaster Live! cards. It will feature a 32-bit Multi-Effects Engine with support for Microsoft's Direct Sound API, Dolby Digital 5.1, OpenAL, and EAGLE 3.0; a graphical librarian editor.
Freedom Games Announces GI Combat Beta
Freedom Games has unveiled GI Combat, a real time strategy game which features three dimensional game play, realistic terrains, and convincing weapons fire. Immerse yourself in the battlefields of World War II and become the ultimate revisionist, outlining strategies that contain the potential for changing the course of history. The weapons that appear in the game are modeled after their historical counterparts that actually made up era's war time arsenals.
Soldiers experience a variety of moods that range from extreme heroism to all out panic. In the real world, soldiers can elect to disobey orders as the morale of their unit wavers. GI Combat simulates this experience as well. Soldiers may seek cover without the presence of a commander or when they are under heavy fire, and conversely rally around an officer when field conditions change. The game replicates all of the hazards of actual combat -- even snipers were not left out.
Microsoft Waters Down Activation
This week, Microsoft published an informative paper intended to provide clear answers to customers who are concerned about, or feel reservations toward, product activation in Windows XP. The paper introduces another concession that the software giant has granted power users ever since a whirlwind of confusion and misinformation swept the tide of public opinion against the technology. After clarification by the paper's primary author, Allen Nieman, it appeared as if the company was prepared to be even more flexible than was previously thought.
The document located at the Microsoft Anti-Piracy Web site, states that four Internet activations will be allowed before a user must telephone Microsoft. It was originally accepted that up to three changes would be allowed, as long as none consisted of a complete system hardware swap. However, a more lenient policy is being exercised. According to Nieman, the company has plans to offer a "time-based clean slate."
Government Asks Appeals Court to Proceed
In response to Microsoft's request for a stay until the Supreme Court decides to hear its case, the Justice Department and 18 states have filed a brief with the Appeals Court. The government is setting its sights on Windows XP, claiming that any further delay in a court ordered remedy for antitrust violations will increase the company's prospects of dominating the software industry. This filing contrasts sharply with Microsoft, who favors judicial review of the case, and a quick settlement.
In its brief, the government provided a harsh synopsis of the software giant's chances for obtaining a Supreme Court hearing. Writing, "Under the circumstances, Microsoft has little prospect of obtaining (Supreme Court) review, let alone winning a reversal," the government urged the Appeals Court to continue with its proceedings. According to the filing, Microsoft failed to demonstrate how a reinstatement of the proceedings would injure it in any conceivable way.
Stardock Offers Alternatives in OEM Desktop Struggle
While discussions continue as to the fate of lucrative desktop real estate, Stardock has another solution for OEMs looking to appease Microsoft and partners alike -- sell the taskbar and My Computer instead.
It is no surprise that the desktop has become a strong point of contention in the upcoming Windows XP. Companies have long viewed exposure in Windows as the most valuable marketing tool, forcibly proliferating their wares on millions of new computers each year. But Microsoft now wants the space left empty, and OEMs are stuck contemplating whether to support a simplified user experience or make a quick buck.
Sierra Opens Empire Earth Beta
Sierra and Stainless Steel Studios are looking for beta testers to uncover bugs in the upcoming Empire Earth, a real-time strategy game spanning human history. The beta will primarily focus on preparing Sierra's severs for the game's massive multiplayer component. Registration is open to applicants from all over the world, and end on August 13. Those chosen will be notified via e-mail and required to download the approximately 450 MB beta.
According to the preview beta site, "All participants will enjoy entry to the exclusive Empire Earth Beta forum where they can share messages with members of the development team."
Companies Eager to Review McAfee Patent
Software companies have scrambled to analyze the possible legal repercussions of a recent
patent issued to McAfee by the U.S. Patent Office. The patent is unusually broad, potentially giving Sunnyvale, California, based McAfee the rights to key technologies used by both competitors and partners alike. Some areas that fall under the jurisdiction of the patent include auto-updating, subscription services, and certain software that initiates downloads without prompting users. The company has taken a stand to protect its newfound ownership, telling the media that parties can either work with them or engineer around them.
When McAfee first applied for the patent in 1998, existing services such as Microsoft's Windows Update - launched June of that year - utilized technology to which McAfee now seemingly owns the rights. Makers of alternative operating systems such as Red Hat's Linux also provide similar update services. Furthermore, Web browsers such as Internet Explorer have included a behavior that allows customers to optionally open downloads without user intervention for years.
XP RTM Closes In, September Debut Possible
Microsoft took one step closer to the release of Windows XP this evening, issuing to testers interim build 2535. This latest build comes on the heels of Release Candidate 2, the last milestone on the road to gold code. The software giant is expected to release Windows XP to manufacturing within the next three weeks, and the new OS could make a public debut on new PCs in early September with a full launch arriving October 25.
Very few changes have appeared in 2535, a sign that RTM may occur as soon as next week. Partners are quickly finishing drivers and compatibility tests on the OS, planning for a drop date of August 28 at the latest. But it is clear Microsoft wants to get XP out the door as quickly as possible.
Microsoft Requests Supreme Court Oversight
Microsoft Today called on the U.S Supreme Court, asking for a review of its antitrust appeal. Concurrently, the software giant has asked the Federal Court of Appeals to hold off from any further action until it is known whether or not the high court will accept the case. Microsoft's legal maneuvering comes at a time when a coalition consisting of the Justice Department and 18 state attorney generals are pushing for an injunction against Windows XP, which remains set to launch in October.
Microsoft has unsuccessfully petitioned the Supreme Court in the past. However, it maintains the apparent judicial bias warrants that the eight antitrust violations upheld by a Federal Appeals Court in late June should be vacated as well. While the Supreme Court's consideration is pending, the company has filed a stay with the Appeals Court asking it to take no further action such as recalling the case to a lower court for review. If the high court accepts the case, Microsoft has asked that the stay be extended until those proceedings are completed - a date that could be far in the future.
Red Hat Previews 'Roswell'
Maintaining plausible deniability, Red Hat has yet to confirm or deny the existence of Roswell, the latest beta, version 7.1.93, of its popular Linux operating system. Available for both x86 and ia64 architectures, this latest release includes several new features and optimizations.
Red Hat has provided an overview of the additions to its flagship OS, which include support the 2.4.6 Linux kernel, XFree86 4.1.0, KDE 2.2pre, GNOME 1.4, and support for the ext3 journaling file system. A more detailed listing can be found in the beta's release notes, and a mailing list has been set up to keep the public aware of development updates. It should be noted that users upgrading systems from Red Hat 6.x through 7.1 may encounter difficulty upgrading if Ximian GNOME is installed.
Scientists Question Wireless Security
The popularity of wireless networking has ushered in widespread industry adoption of the Wi-Fi, or 802.11b, communications standard. Just this week, computing giants Intel and Microsoft gave the protocol their backing, both joining the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance board of directors. Microsoft's upcoming Windows XP will even nativley support the standard. But scientists have now put into question the integrity of information broadcast over Wi-Fi networks, citing weak encrypton.
It is no surprise that methods have been uncovered to give hackers the ability to bypass Wi-Fi's built-in security system, dubbed Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Last March, a group of researchers at the University of Maryland documented severe weaknesses in WEP. However, wireless supporters downplayed the potential for criminal mischief due to the complexity involved. Even still, it was simply a matter of time before more practical means of intrusion were discovered.
Internet Explorer 6 in Final Stretches
In an e-mail to beta testers, Microsoft today announced the availability of what is expected to be the final build for the Internet Explorer 6 release. Barring any last minute issues, build 2530.1 will be deemed golden next week.
"We would like to express our sincere appreciation for your participation in the Beta program," IE6 coordinators boasted, "In large part thanks to your feedback and input, Internet Explorer 6 will be the best browser in the market."
Microsoft Unveils Content Management Server 2001
Another .NET enabled product has left the stables at Redmond. Content Management Server 2001 promises customers an easy deployment of Web site applications while claiming to offer a scalable and stable solution. The software formerly known as Ncompass by Ncompass Labs is the latest member of Microsoft's highly touted .NET Enterprise Server Family. Recently, thousands of Microsoft powered servers were infected with the 'Code Red' worm leading to significant disruptions in Internet traffic and monetary damages.
Vice President of Microsoft's .NET Solutions Group Chris Atkins stated, "Customers looking for a content management product built for the Microsoft platform now have a clear choice." He continued, "We are extremely excited to bring this high-quality product to a worldwide market, making it easier for customers to quickly and cost-effectively build and deploy dynamic Web sites."
Dell: Linux Not Cutting It on Desktops
Dell Computer has decided to stop shipping its desktop and notebook PCs with Linux preinstalled, citing weak demand and slow adoption. The open source OS was largely introduced into the mainstream PC market last year, following efforts of Linux advocates to build support on the desktop. Vendors such as Dell and IBM quickly embraced the OS, but now acknowledge that move may have been premature.
Dwindling financials have led many open source companies to slow and even cease development of applications Linux needs to compete with Windows. This in turn has caused a huge problem for PC manufacturers, who sell their computers pre-loaded with software. Dell claims, however, that it will watch the Linux community and when the time is right, consider going back to it.
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