OpenGL 2.0 Spec Announced
OpenGL has publicly unveiled the final OpenGL 2.0 specification. The standard is billed as an open alternative to Microsoft's Direct3D featuring benefits such as Programmable Shaders. OpenGL is a platform independent interface to graphics hardware that was originally designed by Silicon Graphics, Inc. (SGI). id Software's Quake III Arena makes use of OpenGL in its core graphics rendering engines.
IBM Automates DB2
After a nearly two-year hiatus, IBM has updated its DB2 database software with capabilities borrowed from its autonomic computing portfolio. DB2 Universal Database (DB2 8.2), formerly code-named Stinger, automatically self manages and self tunes data without human intervention.
IBM defines autonomic computing as self-configuring, healing, optimizing and protecting. According to IBM, more than 415 features in 50 distinct IBM products have these capabilities.
Microsoft Announces Virtual Server 2005 Release Date
Microsoft is inching closer toward the release of Virtual Server 2005. Virtual Server leverages the Windows 2003 Server system as a platform for running multiple instances of alternative operating systems on a single system. The final version of the Server will be made available on September 13 in two varieties: Standard and Enterprise. More information on Virtual Server is available in the BetaNews archives.
Longhorn to Clamp Down on Storage
The next version of Windows, code-named Longhorn, will do away with Microsoft's laissez faire approach to connecting portable storage devices to systems.
Instead of the familiar Plug and Play (PNP), which has seen little change in function since Windows 95, a new technology called "Plug and Play Extensions" will make its debut in Longhorn to allow businesses to regain their rightful jurisdiction over PNP devices.
Microsoft Sets SP2 Installation Deadline
The clock is ticking for organizations that chose to delay the deployment of Windows XP Service Pack 2. Come April 12, 2005, a tool that temporarily blocks the delivery of the Service Pack through automatic updating will cease to operate, thus allowing the upgrade to download.
Microsoft supplied the tool to customers in response to a chorus of demand for some additional time to test and validate installations prior to deployment in valuable production environments.
Microsoft Integrates Biometrics into Hardware Lineup
Microsoft has taken the wraps off of a new line of keyboards and mice that feature built-in biometric fingerprint recognition technology. Fingerprint recognition permits users to replace Windows passwords, log into secure Web sites and enable fast user switching. The software giant has licensed technology from Digital Persona for use in its products.
Microsoft Previews Music Store
Following the success of Apple's iTunes Music Store, Microsoft worked quickly to catch online music's rising star. After many months of development, the results are in: MSN Music, Windows Media Player 10, and Portable Media Centers have been formally launched.
Microsoft has launched a beta trial of the MSN Music Store which is integrated into the Windows Media Player 10 software. The trial features over 500,000 songs, but Microsoft is promising to break the one million mark by the time it cuts the ribbon on the service in October.
New MSN Search Test Suspended
As first reported by BoostMarketing.com, Microsoft has suspended a test release of its ballyhooed algorithmic search engine from the MSN Sandbox Web site. A note on MSN's Web page read that the product team had solicited enough feedback to launch another preview later on this year. In the meantime, users are encouraged to make use of the existing MSN search service.
Microsoft revealed an alpha preview of MSN's next generation search engine in February of 2004. Remond claimed that it was placing emphasis on the project which it called "a huge commitment" is moving forward on an "immense scale." MSN has drafted Microsoft Research to assist in its development efforts, but has left the door open for new recruits.
Microsoft Releases HIS 2004
After a long beta cycle, Microsoft has announced the availability of Host Integration Server (HIS) 2004, its legacy platform interoperability solution. The server is the latest member of the Windows Server System and includes support for XML Web services, the Visual Studio .NET 2003 integrated developer environment (IDE), and the Microsoft .NET Framework. HIS 2004 allows developers to build XML Web service front ends for legacy line-of-business applications for use and reuse within service oriented architectures (SOA).
One Microsoft's primary objectives is to facilitate a cost effective integration of mid-range systems and IBM mainframes into the Windows operating environment. To achieve this objective, Microsoft has added in features to HIS for secure cross-platform access as well as improved application and data integration capabilities.
Rumors Circle of New iMac Specs
Think Secret, a Mac rumor Web site has gotten the skinny on what is allegedly Apple's re-designed iMac. The self-appointed sleuths breached Apple's culture of secrecy and posted an article detailing the specifications for 17- and 20-inch iMac G5s. The iMacs are rumored to be available in two 1.6GHz and two 1.8 GHz varieties.
According to the report, Apple is continuing to house components in an all-in-one casing that is mounted directly to the back of a flat display panel. Every model is equipped with optical digital output, a built-in microphone and enclosure mounted speakers.
MSN Video Launches, Music On Hold
Microsoft's MSN business unit has told MSN Premium customers to expect the launch of MSN Video 2 sometime today. MSN Video is a free service for subscribers offering news, sport and entertainment programming that is entirely subsidized by advertising revenues.
Microsoft confirmed the launch, saying, "MSN Video 2 is expected to launch today per communications sent out to MSN Premium subscribers." However, despite rumors to the contrary, MSN Music will not launch today.
Microsoft Lists SP2 Incompatibilities
Microsoft has compiled a list of incompatible applications that are "broken" by Windows XP Service Pack 2. SP2 was released to manufacturing on August 6.
The service pack features numerous enhancements such as a new version of Internet Explorer that has a pop-up blocker and download manager built in; memory protection against buffer overruns; e-mail safeguards for Outlook Express; a stateful inspection firewall; refined permissions in RPC and DCOM; Windows Security Center; and new security settings for Windows Media Player 9.
Yahoo! Patches Security Flaw in Messenger
Yahoo! has patched a flaw in the open source Portable Network Graphics (PNG) image format that is utilized by its real-time communications product Yahoo! Messenger. Yahoo! spokesperson Terrell Karlsten told BetaNews, "Beginning today, we are notifying users who are currently running Windows versions 6.0 to install the security update. Upon logging into Yahoo! Messenger, users will be prompted with a message window that invites them to update their service." Users may also download the new release separately.
Apple Readying Tablet PC Rival?
The Register has learned that Apple has filed a European design trademark for what may be the company's answer to Microsoft's Tablet PC. Reports suggest that the tablet may be a wireless access point and part of a larger home entertainment system.
The report is bolstered by a column written by eWeek's Matthew Rothenberg that was published back in November of 2003, which hinted that Apple had begun sharing prototypes with developers. The Register has also reported that Quanta, a Taiwanese manufacturer, has been tapped by Apple to build a "wireless display".
Gartner: Steer Clear of XP Starter Edition
Gartner analysts Dion Wiggins and Martin Gilliland are advising users to steer clear of Microsoft's low-cost alternative to Windows XP, Windows XP Starter Edition, saying that the lack of features will likely frustrate users due to its inability to grow with users as they gain experience. Gartner concluded that the release of more likely to encourage piracy than it is to abate it.
Windows XP Starter Edition is a stripped down, no-thrills distribution of Windows that was originally intended for Thailand's Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) social welfare program. Microsoft has since shifted its tactics to ward off software piracy and the threat posed by open source alternatives.
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