Sun Attacks Release of Java.NET
As first reported by UK-based news outlet The Register, an early preview of Microsoft's version of Java intended to run in tandem with .NET headed out of the stables at Redmond. Although the 7 megabyte file as pulled from Microsoft's download site almost as soon as it make its brief appearance, enough time elapsed for a small number of fortunate souls to get their hands on it.
In essence, Microsoft has created its own cloned version of Java while circumventing Sun’s stringent compatibility requirements and downgrading Java's role to be merely a programming language instead of a platform. Although the product dubbed, Visual JSharp .NET version 7.0, is by definition an unfinished work, Sun is already pacing itself to make the distinction between its own offerings and what its calls "Microsoft FUD."
Microsoft Answers Questions Regarding .NET Services
Today Microsoft published a question and answer essay covering a broad array of information on its .NET Alert Services. Microsoft spinsters dwelled on the advantages the services had to offer especially the potential they offered toward bringing businesses and their customers together in closer relationships. Users can opt to receive financial alerts, reminders, reports on traffic conditions, and even track their success (or lack thereof) in eBay auctions. Some services have already begun to go live while other early adopters will deploy within the next six months.
In all, 19 sites have services in the works that are set to alert users via an integrated web of devices ranging from desktop PCs to mobile phones and handhelds. An explosion of services will go off alongside the launch on Windows XP on October 25th, providing users with a “hands on” glimpse of the .NET experience. Windows Messenger software is not set in stone as a requirement to take advantage of the alerts - email clients ranging from AOL to Lotus Notes and Microsoft's own Outlook. There is one catch for mobile users; MSN Mobile must be supported in order for the services to function.
Windows 2000 SP3 Testers Tapped
Microsoft has sent word that CDs will be shipped shortly to those who were lucky enough to be amoung those accepted to test Windows 2000's third service pack. As per the usual, key areas being focused on by the sustained development team are setup, application compatibility, operating system reliability, and numerous security issues.
There are no plans to incorporate new features into Windows, as this is solely a maintenance release. The soon to be released update marks the third installment of a service pack since Windows 2000 went gold in December of 1999.
Pocket PC 2002 Hits the Shelves
Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer today opened the floodgates, letting loose a torrent of Pocket PC 2002- based devices. As previously reported, Pocket PC 2002 has become increasingly business friendly offering users improved wireless networking as well as added support for virtual private networks.
Mobile entertainment has not escaped the eye of Microsoft's design team. A new version of Windows Media Player is ready to play music and video clips on the go. Visual aspects of the Pocket PC have undergone changes providing an interface consistent with Windows XP. Users can record their own creative thoughts through new Graffiti like handwriting recognition technology dubbed Block Recognition.
Sun Readies New Solaris
Sun Microsystems is offering up an early preview of Solaris 9 aimed at getting software developers off to an early start developing commercial grade applications for their flagship UNIX operating system. With a final release targeted for the first half of next year, Sun has outlined an ambitious set of features and enhancements for implementation. Some of the planned changes include greater interoperability with Windows, enhanced resource control, and a much more flexible installation process that allows customers to select a minimal set of components.
Citing user requests and feedback, Sun has included CD writing capabilities into Solaris that were developed in house. Other new features include support for Kerberos 5, and Live Upgrade –- a way to utilize unused storage space for a side by side installation to coincide with existing versions of Solaris without overwriting system files. If the upgrade does not go as intended, administrators can regress to the old version by performing a simple reboot.
Beta Test Anark Studio
A public beta has opened that will enable developers of digital media to hone their content authoring skills while receiving a first hand look at a future product offering from Colorado based Anark Corporation. For a limited time, Anark studio -- an essential component of the Anark Media Platform -- will be publicly available for evaluation. The Media Platform is composed of Anark Studio for content creation, a server for streaming media, and a standalone client for establishing interactive displays.
Anark Studio's beta edition includes expanded support for common media types, JavaScript powered scripting for creating custom behaviors and a drag and drop interface intended for effortless interactivity. It provides authors with a timeline based on continuous time and object mapping support. In addition, presentations can be rendered in real-time through a Web browser.
RealNetworks Previews RealOne Platform
Shedding the code-name "Viper," RealNetwork's RealOne Platform is spearheading the effort to regain lost influence amidst stiff competition from arch rival Microsoft. Alpha builds of Viper have circulated around the Internet for some time, leaving those lucky enough to obtain a copy with the impression that major changes were in the works for Real.
Two separate products, RealPlayer and RealJukebox were merged together into one with a drastically overhauled interface. It was also apparent that a major push was planned for a subscription service, called "GoldPass."
Microsoft to Announce Plus! for Windows XP
During the summer, testers silently leaked details that publicly unveiled many of the visual elements contained in Microsoft Plus! for Windows XP. At the time, Microsoft did not comment on what consumer expectations should be for Plus! -– a product that has become the traditional aftermarket companion for newly minted milestones of Windows. While a lack of specifics relegated discussion of Plus! to be limited to games, screensavers, themes, and Media Player visualizations, the folks at Redmond managed to slip in a few surprises.
Wednesday, Microsoft is set to officially announce Plus! commencing what promises to be a long marketing campaign on the coattails of Windows XP. Additional add-on packs are planned, some of which include several multimedia enhancements, rich digital photography tools, and volume licenses for home users.
Beta Test 3Com Bluetooth Updates
After shaking up its Beta Test division -- which seemingly dissolved into financial turmoil -- a newly refocused 3Com has emerged and is seeking testers for nothing more than its mobile product line. Testers are encouraged to apply for and to evaluate the latest offerings developed onsite at the company's Salt lake City, Utah location. Currently, five individuals are needed to review updated Bluetooth software that is intended to be shipped with all of 3Com's Bluetooth products.
3Com's Doug Sorensen informed BetaNews that multi lingual testers are in particular demand for this test, asking for testers who speak or read Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, French, German or Spanish fluently to sign up at will.
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.
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.
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.
Interview: Intrinsity's Dynamic Logic
UPDATED As the Gigahertz war escalates between chip magnates Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, each firm is faced with committing itself to drastic price cuts in retaliation to fierce competition. In combination with shrinking revenues, the latest manufacturing techniques continue to remain increasingly complex and costly -- leading each company down paths of financial uncertainty. Several weeks ago, a little known start up announced a microprocessor that could utilize a traditional, less expensive fabrication method while achieving record breaking performance.
With its prototype 2.26 Gigahertz chip, a veteran design team and resurrection of dynamic circuits, Intrinsity, Inc. has spawned substantial cause for rumors and speculation. Dynamic Circuits, once abandoned in favor of a simpler technology more suitable for mass production, are a key component of the Intrisity framework. The company spent years developing what it calls Fast14 – named after the elemental number of silicon –- which allows chip designers to create high end processors that integrate dynamic circuits. Combined with additional innovations developed in house, a standard CMOS process can be used to fashion performance chips at an economic price.
New Hack Poses Threat to Popular Web Services
UPDATED Cross Site Scripting (CSS), a relatively new method of attack, has once again proven itself to be a formidable opponent in the quest to secure the Web. The attack involves a method where by an unauthorized script is passed to a Web server for execution – even if the server is secured against running such scripts. Simply by visiting a Web site or by reading an HTML formatted e-mail, users can potentially become the unwitting victims of malicious hackers.
Leading providers of Internet services such as Microsoft have long advised customers to "Avoid promiscuous Web browsing." However, some of the most mainstream sites. including Microsoft's own Hotmail service, were at risk to a vulnerability discovered by experts at WhiteHat Security.
DirectX Development Progresses, 8.1 Nears
According to beta testers, the DirectX Team at Microsoft is prepared to release a new interim build of DirectX 8.1 for testing. This is a compulsory upgrade for testers as prior test versions are set to expire on September 5th. DirectX 8.1 features a comprehensive collection of bug fixes from the previous version as well as support for new high precision texture formats and nPatch quadratic interpolation order.
Developers can also take advantage of a DirectX AppWizard for Microsoft Visual C++ that is included in the release. Directx 8.1 is an integral part of Windows XP.
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