Microsoft Details Vista Requirements
With Windows Vista Beta 2 set to make its public debut at WinHEC next week, Microsoft on Thursday finally detailed the hardware specifications required to run the new operating system. The Redmond company also launched a "Get Ready" program to help consumers prepare for the upgrade.
Claiming that Windows Vista is the first operating system to scale based on the capabilities of the computer it's running on, Microsoft has broken down hardware requirements into two categories: Vista Capable PCs and Vista Premium Ready PCs.
Microsoft Buys VPN, SSL Company
Microsoft on Thursday said it was acquiring Whale Communications, a provider of virtual private network (VPN) and SSL solutions, as well as Web application firewalls. The company's technologies will be integrated into Microsoft's Windows Server and Internet Security and Acceleration Server products.
The purchase of Whale comes as Microsoft is increasingly focusing on the mobile workforce. The company recently rolled out Office Communicator for the Web and mobile devices, and Outlook 2007 includes a number of new remote access features. "We’re excited about what this acquisition will mean for our customers given Microsoft’s focus on providing policy-based secure access to information assets from beyond the corporate network," said Whale CEO Roger Pilc.
Google Video Adds Instant Uploads
Following news that AOL plans to roll out a video upload service like YouTube, Google is making changes to its own offering that will provide a similar experience and do away with editorial verification. Previously, Google Video users had to download a standalone utility to post their videos, as well as wait for approval.
Users can now take advantage of a Web-based uploader, which will instantly convert the video and make it available for viewing online immediately. However, in order to limit potential copyright issues that have plagued YouTube -- and made it immensely popular -- videos will not be searchable until they are reviewed.
Microsoft, MTV Put URGE Service Live
As expected, Microsoft on Wednesday released the first beta build of Windows Media Player 11, which includes the company's new URGE subscription music service it co-developed with MTV Networks. iRiver also began shipping its Clix portable music player to complete the end-to-end offering.
The URGE service touts a library of nearly two million tracks, and has a two-tier service plan. Those who wish to listen to tracks on their PCs only can register for a $9.95 USD All Access monthly plan, while those wishing to download to compatible players can need to sign up for the $14.95 USD All Access to Go monthly tier.
Verizon Also Denies NSA Spying Role
Following a denial by BellSouth, Verizon on Tuesday said it had no involvement in providing call records of millions of Americans to the National Security Agency. The denials came a week after a USA Today report claimed both companies, along with AT&T, were working with the NSA.
Verizon said it could neither confirm nor deny whether it has a relationship with NSA, only commenting on the specific claim of providing records. "Verizon was not asked by NSA to provide, nor did Verizon provide, customer phone records from any of these businesses, or any call data from those records. None of these companies -- wireless or wireline -- provided customer records or call data," the company said.
Sun: Help Us Open Source Java
Following through on a promise it made earlier this month, Sun confirmed at the JavaOne conference in San Francisco Tuesday that it would open the source code to Java, but said it needs the community's help in getting it done to prevent fragmentation of the technology.
"The question is not whether we will open-source Java, the question is how," Sun CEO Jonathan Schwartz said during his opening keynote. His statement followed a similar one by Rich Green, Sun's executive vice president of software, but neither provided any specific timeline for the move.
AOL Preparing YouTube Rival
Further expanding its repertoire of online services as it moves away from subscription revenues, AOL is beta testing a new video hosting service it calls UnCut. The offering appears strikingly similar to YouTube, which has surged into the mainstream as the most popular destination for video on the Web.
Users can upload videos of up to 5 minutes in length to AOL UnCut, which then converts the content into the Flash 8 format like YouTube. Promoting the community aspect of the site, videos can be rated, commented on and shared by users.
Microsoft Refreshes Live Mail Beta
Windows Live Mail, the successor to Hotmail currently in limited beta testing, was given a facelift Tuesday in what Microsoft calls the "M6" release of the service. Notable additions include support for Firefox, mail signatures and vastly improved performance.
By making use of advanced Web technologies such as AJAX and DHTML, Windows Live Mail does away with the clunky Hotmail interface for a more application-like experience. Users can access right click menus, drag and drop messages between folders, and view messages without refreshing pages.
Sony Announces First Blu-ray Laptop
Sony on Tuesday unveiled a new addition to its VAIO line of notebook PCs that is the first to include a Blu-ray capable disc drive. However, the VAIO AR with 17-inch widescreen display won't come cheap; the Premium model with Blu-ray will retail for around $3,500 USD.
With both HD DVD and Blu-ray now complete and ready for consumer adoption, manufacturers are eager to offer the high-definition technologies in high-end portables and desktop PCs. Toshiba is expected to begin shipping an HD DVD enabled notebook computer in Japan sometime this month.
AllofMP3 Goes Offline, Future Uncertain
Popular Russian music download service AllofMP3, whose legal status has long been in question, shut down over the weekend and has yet to re-open. The site sold music without DRM copy protection for $0.02 per megabyte, far cheaper than sanctioned services such as iTunes.
AllofMP3 enabled customers to select the audio quality and format of their downloads, and recently rolled out a standalone application for navigating the site and making purchases called AllTunes. However, the music industry has long characterized the service as illegal for not having proper licenses to the songs it sold.
Microsoft Tests New Web Design Tool
Microsoft on Monday released the first public build of Expression Web Designer (EWD), the last component of its upcoming Expression suite to become available in Community Technology Preview form. Web Designer, a successor to FrontPage, joins Expression Graphic Designer and Interactive Designer.
Formerly known by the code-name "Quartz," EWD uses a WYSIWG interface to help users build standards-based Web sites with support for sophisticated CSS layouts. The tool also closely integrates with ASP .NET 2.0 on the backend. Microsoft is expected to release Expression in final form early next year. The Web Designer CTP is available for download for Windows XP and higher.
Skype Makes Outbound Calling Free
Skype on Monday turned the Internet telephony industry on its head by introducing free calling to traditional landline and mobile phones in the United States and Canada through its SkypeOut feature. The move comes just days after Microsoft introduced Windows Live Messenger beta with its calling service.
SkypeOut previously charged users per-minute fees for making calls to non-PC users -- a business model being adopted by a number of rivals, including Yahoo, AOL and Microsoft. Now, Skype users can call both fellow Skype users and standard phone numbers without being charged until at least December 31, 2006.
Microsoft Inks Windows Mobile Deal in China
Microsoft on Friday signed an agreement with TechFaith Wireless to help push the adoption of Windows Mobile and Windows Media technologies in China. TechFaith is one of the largest application providers for handsets in the country, and Microsoft is hoping to stake a claim in China's expanding mobile market.
The two companies will co-develop smartphone and entertainment handsets, as well as collaborate on sales and marketing initiatives to boost sales of Windows Mobile based devices. "Our strategy is to grow with China's information industry on a win-win basis. We wish to facilitate the entry of software and IT products and services from China-based companies into the international market," commented Microsoft corporate vice president Tim Chen.
No Wait for 'GTA IV' on Xbox 360
Microsoft announced at E3 in Los Angeles Tuesday that it has inked an agreement with Rockstar Games to make the next title in the controversial Grand Theft Auto series available for the Xbox 360 on day one. Sony previously had first access to GTA for the PS2.
Xbox 360 users will also get exclusive downloadable content for "GTA IV" via Xbox Live. The content will not be available on any other platform, Microsoft said. "Gamers can’t wait to play 'Grand Theft Auto IV' in high definition on Xbox 360, and we couldn't be more excited to have the title on our platform from day one," commented Microsoft Interactive Entertainment head Peter Moore.
Xbox 360 USB HD DVD Drive Confirmed
As E3 prepares to get underway in Los Angeles this week, Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are holding their announcement cards close to the chest. However, Microsoft confirmed over the weekend that its previously announced HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 will connect to the console via USB.
The add-on will be showcased at E3 and bring support for the high-definition format to the Xbox. Sony, meanwhile, is building Blu-ray support into the PlayStation 3, which is expected to get its first unveiling at the gaming conference. However, Microsoft says "HD DVD is the best value" and notes, "the industry momentum we've seen has been behind HD DVD." Pricing and release dates for the add-on were not yet announced.
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