بدتمیز

Vista Gets New Standard UI Theme

2006-07-11T10:59:00.000+05:00

While Microsoft has always shown off Windows Vista with its new Aero user interface and "Glass" theme, not all customers will have the required hardware to power the advanced graphics. In turn, Microsoft has spruced up its Standard theme, which had been the subject of many complaints.
Vista beta testers have long voiced their distaste for the Standard theme, even giving it the nickname "scrap metal" due to its lackluster gray appearance. "We heard you loud and clear," wrote Vista community leader Nick White. "In fact, we too wanted something better, and we’ve overhauled this theme with an all new version."
The new theme takes on a light blue color scheme, with a flatter appearance overall. The window control buttons have been made wider, but do not extend to the top window edge as they do with Aero. Inactive windows will appear blueish-gray and will not be transparent as they are in Aero.
Explaining why Microsoft needed to build two themes, White said that "Vista uses the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) to deliver some amazing user experience features collectively called Windows Aero which include; Desktop Composition, Glass window frames with colored glass, window thumbnails and Flip3D."
However, those users with a graphics card that cannot run WDDM will not be able to utilize Aero, which is included with Windows Vista Home Premium, the Business SKUs and Vista Ultimate Edition.
"You’ll get the Windows Vista Basic theme which does not benefit from some of the more graphically intensive features such as desktop composition and glass window frames," White said.
Brandon LeBlanc, a Vista tester who first reported on the change, applauded Microsoft's efforts to improve the Standard theme, but also had some criticisms. "I dislike the way the maximize, minimize, and close buttons are so small. I also dislike how thick the borders are and how there isn't any real transition from the application into the window frame," he said.
Microsoft has not said when the new Standard theme will appear in public Vista builds. It is not part of build 5456, the first interim release to follow Beta 2

Gmail Space V0.3.4 Extension

2006-07-11T10:57:00.000+05:00

Very nice addon for FireFox. I use it to backup a lot of files. Ore send files to freinds.. You can make a selection of files to upload on you're gmail account. Than it wil just run till all the files are on you're gmail account. (No need to upload file by file!)

Best thing to do is to put this installer in you're own FireFox addon. Have it run as second.

Notes:
This extension allows you to use your Gmail Space (2 GB) for file storage. It acts as a remote machine. You can transfer files between your hard drive and gmail. This is similar to "Gmail Drive" on windows platform. Your gmail account looks like a FTP host and you can upload
and download your files. After you install, you get an option called "GSpace" in your "tools" menu clicking on which opens the window for transfer of files/folders

Readmore ad: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1593/
Download: http://d.turboupload.com/d/735256/FIREFOX_GSPACE.CAB.html
Ore: http://www.speedyshare.com/430864214.html

Install from: svcpack.ini
MD5 hash: 5918B287DB817DE15199FFAE72AFA4D7
File Size: 134 KB (137,640 bytes)

If you want to make you're own FireFox addon with FireFox Extension here is a brief sugestion what to do.

1 Install you're favorite FireFox.
2 Install you're favorite FireFox Extentions. (Make sure they work)
3 Go to you're userprofile. Mine is C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator
4 In you're user map you see a map called Application Data
5 Make a map called Application Data on you're desktop (Ore were you like)
6 Now go inside the map "Application Data" of you userprolie (Not the empty map you made)
7 Now locate the map "Mozilla"
8 Coppy the map "Mozilla" into to map to "Application Data" on you're desktop.
9 Now make a make a installer of the new made map "Application Data" and files. Put in the following comment: Path=%userprofile%
SavePath
Silent=1
Overwrite=1
10 Make you .cab addon file.

- After stap 1 you could have a look in you're user profile (monzilla). Than ad step 2 only coppy the changes the Firefox extension installers made.

- If you prevere Unattended install than just coppy all settings to $OEM$\$Docs\Default User\Application Data\Mozilla (yes here you put your "FireFox" map)

- Tools i used is Winrar.

Firefox Usage Passes 15 Percent in US

2006-07-11T10:56:00.000+05:00

Mozilla's Firefox browser continues to post gains in market share, according to Web analytics firm OneStat.com, while usage of Internet Explorer has fallen more than 2 percent since May. Opera, meanwhile, has surpassed 1 percent market share worldwide.
Worldwide, Firefox now holds 12.93 percent of the market, up from 11.79 percent in May. The open source browser commands a 15.82 percent usage share in the United States, and a whopping 39.02 percent in Germany. Australians are also big Firefox users, with the browser holding 24.23 percent of the market down under.
Internet Explorer use worldwide has fallen below 80 percent in the United States to 79.78 percent, according to OneStat, although IE still accounts for 83.05 percent of the browser market globally. British Web surfers are the biggest IE users, giving Microsoft's browser 86.23 percent of the market.
Opera, which recently launched version 9.0 of its now-free namesake browser, continues to inch up the rankings. Usage of Opera is 4.69 percent in Australia and over 1 percent in Canada and Germany. Worldwide, Opera accounts for exactly 1 percent of the browser market, OneStat says.
Apple's Safari retained its number three position behind IE and Firefox, accounting for 1.84 percent of the browser market around the world. In the United States, where Apple primarily focuses, Safari holds a usage share of 3.28 percent. AOL's Netscape, which is now based on Firefox, is the fifth top browser with a 0.16 percent share.
The browser race is expected to heat up again later this year. Both Mozilla and Microsoft hope to have new versions of their browsers -- Firefox 2.0 and IE7 -- released to the public by the end of 2006. In the past, Mozilla has been able to successfully use its new browser releases as opportunities to expand market share.

More Information Leaks About GDrive

2006-07-11T10:48:00.000+05:00

Eager Google watchers, always seeking to uncover the latest project coming from the search giant, have found additional evidence regarding the much-rumored GDrive under a service code-named Platypus. GDrive is expected to be an Internet hard drive of sorts for users.
The information was found on a page seemingly accidentally uploaded and since removed from Google's Writely service. "If you lose your computer, grab a new one and reinstall Platypus. Your files will be on your new machine in minutes," the page -- with a title of "Platypus (Gdrive)" -- reads.
Platypus utilizes a software client for Windows, Mac and Linux that keeps files synchronized with Google's massive infrastructure. Aside from backup services, users can create a shared space to which multiple users can write for collaboration purposes. Files are also accessible via the Web when no Platypus client is installed.
Corsin Camichel first reported the page, located at writely.com/index.html, on his blog early Monday. The news sparked a flurry of activity among others looking to verify the information. The project's existence was confirmed in a Web log post by David Braginsky, who said he had become "techlead of project Platypus at Google."
However, Braginsky's posting was made in July 2004, and it's unclear when the leaked Platypus feature page originated or why it appeared on a server used by Writely. Google isn't commenting on the rumors, but at an analyst meeting in March the company disclosed future plans to build a Google Drive, where users could eventually store 100 percent of their data.
It's entirely possible that the Platypus project is designed strictly for internal use by Google employees, and it may never see the light of day as a service for consumers. Nonetheless, that fact won't stop the rumor mill from turning, with hopes to piece together disparate leaks into a single puzzle.

http://www.ryanvm.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2472

Microsoft Private Folder 1.0

2006-07-08T09:51:00.000+05:00

Microsoft have released Private Folder 1.0, which lets you have a folder called ‘My Private Folder’ which you can password protect.Microsoft Private Folder 1.0 is a useful tool for you to protect your private data when your friends, colleagues, kids or other people share your PC or account. With this tool, you will get one password protected folder called ‘My Private Folder’ in your account to save your personal files.
You can grab a copy of it HERE (However this requires a “Genuine” version of Windows-As most free Microsoft software requires now days.)

Time Warner Seeks GameTap Testers

2006-07-07T21:55:00.000+05:00

GameTap, an on-demand gaming service for the PC with over 500 classic titles, is seeking beta testers to try out the newest version of the software. Backed by parent company Time Warner, GameTap expects to add hundreds of new games and entirely new gaming platforms with the next update.

Beta testers must live in the United States and be running Windows 2000 or XP. Those accepted will receive a free GameTap account, as well as an opportunity to provide input on new features and UI changes. Applications are being accepted at beta.gametap.com, and require that individuals enter a registration password of world_cup.

News Source

Sony Announces PlayStation 3 Pricing

2006-05-10T01:07:00.000+05:00

Sony late Monday solidified its commitment to release the PlayStation 3 this fall in North America, announcing a release date of November 17 as well as pricing on two models to be made available at launch. Also as expected, the next-generation console will debut with a steep price tag.
A PS3 model with a 20GB HDD will retail for USD $499 USD, while a 60GB version will set the gamer back USD $599 USD. However, it's likely that most gamers will opt for the more expensive console, as the basic model is missing several key features.
The $499 version will not include MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash ports, as well as wireless networking. Additionally, no HDMI support is provided with the low-end model, which will cripple its compatibility with high-definition televisions.
Sony would make two million consoles available at launch, with a second two million shipping by the end of the year. By the end of March, six million consoles will have shipped, Sony Computer Entertainment of America president and chief executive officer Kaz Hirai said at a press conference.
Hirai also reviewed the PS3's feature set, including its Cell processor, backwards compatibility, and built in Ethernet and hard disk drive. The console would also be able to play back Blu-ray movies and support full HD on the high-end model.
Taking a jab at Microsoft, Hirai said Sony was taking more time to ensure that the console met its standards and delivered the technological jump that it promised. Microsoft will have beaten Sony by a full year at the PS3's launch with the Xbox 360.
"We're not about cutting corners to get to market," he chided.

Wii to Launch in Holiday Quarter

2006-05-10T01:06:00.000+05:00

Nintendo said Tuesday that it will make its next-generation console, dubbed the Nintendo Wii, available in the fourth quarter of this year. The timing of the console means its launch will occur at roughly the same time as Sony's PlayStation 3, expected to launch on November 17 in North America. Nintendo of America's executive vice president Reggie Fils-Aime made the announcement at the company's press conference at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.
Fils-Aime declined to specify pricing, saying instead that those details would be provided later this year. To support the launch of the Wii, Nintendo will be making available the next installment of the "Legend of Zelda" series, he said.

Windows Live Messenger Goes Public

2006-05-10T01:05:00.000+05:00

Microsoft on Tuesday opened up its Windows Live Messenger Beta to the public, as well as introducing bundled VoIP service Windows Live Call in six additional markets. Additionally, Uniden and Philips have introduced cordless phones that would be compatible with the Live Call service.
The Live Call service is being provided by Verizon in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain. Beginning next week, the service would expand to Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands, the company said.
Windows Live Contacts would also be used in the service, allowing for a single contact list across Windows Live Mail, Messenger, and Spaces. Users can choose which contacts they want updated automatically, and as that contact updates their information, it would be updated in the users contact list.
"With powerful sharing, collaboration and communications tools designed to put the user firmly in control of their communications experience, Windows Live Messenger is a key part of the foundation of Windows Live," MSN and Windows Live corporate vice president Martin Taylor said.
"The several million consumers already in the managed beta have been giving us great feedback, and we're excited to make the beta of Windows Live Messenger to users worldwide."
The Windows Live Messenger service counts some 230 million users worldwide, Microsoft claims.

Report: Vista Security Not Enterprise Ready

2006-05-10T01:04:00.000+05:00

Microsoft's attempts to bolster security may hurt it in the enterprise sector, an analyst report said Monday. Behind the Boston analyst firm Yankee Group's reasoning is the general user-unfriendliness of those security features.
As such, Yankee Group has recommended users stick with Windows XP Service Pack 2 until 2008 if they believe such issues may present a problem. It even suggested looking at Apple's dual-boot Macs as a "hedging strategy."
The firm gathered feedback from developers, who complained that Microsoft had went too far in its implementation. They also said that some of the security measures were too repetitive, and even seemed to talk down to the user.
The report's author Andy Jaquith specifically pointed to the user account feature as an area of greatest concern. Based on a build released in December 2005, the way the feature was implemented in that release was too strict and a posed potential problem.
However, it should be mentioned that researchers did complement the Redmond company's efforts in strengthening the overall security of the operating system. But the firm still felt the way it was implemented would turn off enterprise customers from Vista.
Jaquith believes it would be well into next year before these security features are improved, which could indicate many enterprise users may hold off on large-scale licensing of the new operating system. Microsoft is counting on Vista to improve its bottom line and bring a return for investors, who have seen its stock price stagnate for much of the past five years.
Yankee Group said that it expected the antivirus industry not to suffer from the release of Vista, although anti-spyware and firewall products would likely see a significant drop in demand. Vista will have both features natively integrated into the operating system.

Xbox 360 USB HD DVD Drive Confirmed

2006-05-10T01:03:00.000+05:00

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.

MS Plans Windows Live Answer Service

2006-05-10T01:01:00.000+05:00

Microsoft confirmed Friday that it plans to debut a new Windows Live service in the coming months that would allow users to ask questions and receive responses from fellow users. Additionally, the answers to these questions would be searchable.
Called Windows Live QnA, the service will allow for users to vote for the best answers and respondents, which would help users decide which answers are likely the most reputable and who has consistently provided high-quality answers.
"Windows Live QnA gives us an opportunity to showcase unique knowledge - provided, filtered, rated and approved by human beings - not available anywhere else," Windows Live community program manager Betsy Aoki said. "We want to build the biggest, friendliest and most helpful community of smart humans the world has ever seen."
The service is similar to Yahoo! Answers, which launched in December, and Google Answers, which also debuted last year. All services follow basically the same premise.
"[Windows Live QnA] is currently being tested internally at Microsoft and will be initially be available in an invite-only public beta," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews. Those interested in the beta can sign up from the Windows Live Ideas page.
Ultimately, Microsoft plans to integrate the feature with Windows Live Search. Thus, this Windows Live service will eventually piggyback on top of another existing Live feature, rather than exist as a stand-alone product.
Sources have told BetaNews previously that many of the Windows Live projects currently in development are not intended to stay as standalone offerings.

Microsoft Ships Vista build 5381.1 to Testers

2006-05-07T00:37:00.000+05:00

Microsoft has issued 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista build 5381.1, which is a preview of the Beta 2 version of Vista the company intends to ship later this month to millions of users worldwide.Windows users who are eager to test Windows Vista don't have much longer to wait: Microsoft will ship Beta 2 to millions of consumers sometime in late May. Currently, the company still plans to ship Beta 2 on May 22. Attendees of the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) 2006, which runs May 23rd through the 25th, will receive Vista Beta 2 on DVD.

Microsoft Snags A 'Google Analytics' Of Its Own

2006-05-07T00:29:00.000+05:00

Microsoft says it has made a significant investment in DeepMetrix, a 15-year-old Web traffic analysis firm. The acquisition is likely in response to a similar one archrival Google made a few months back.
Microsoft's Internet division, MSN, plans to ultimately incorporate the DeepMetrix Web analytics tricks into future releases of Microsoft AdCenter, Internet search, Office Live and MSN Spaces, a Microsoft rep said.
DeepMetrix makes a number of different software applications, including graphical bulletin boards. But what most attracted Microsoft is its feature that provides real-time information about the traffic visiting a Web site, details Web operators greatly benefit from knowing.
"Microsoft chose DeepMetrix because of its great technology that delivers superior Web analytics software," a Microsoft spokesperson wrote in an e-mail. "It is the best target for this space."
While the word "Google" never appears in the statement Microsoft provided, it may as well have been sprinkled into every sentence.
By incorporating the traffic intelligence features into its online array, Microsoft can better compete with Google. That's because Google recently introduced its own DeepMetrix-like feature, which it calls Google Analytics.
DeepMetrix customers using its features to improve Web site traffic include beverage maker 7Up, Yale University, the Portland Trail Blazers basketball franchise and scores of others.
Microsoft also said May 4 it purchased Massive, a New York-based video game advertising specialist, to add a new twist to ads across all its online properties, and imagery provider Vexcel Corporation to add a "real-world" feel to the Microsoft local search and mapping experience.

Wal-Mart to Sell Build-To-Order PCs

2006-05-05T00:57:00.000+05:00

Soon Wal-Mart customers will be able to build their own computers through the expansion of a pilot program in 1,200 of its 3,200 stores in the United States. 200 more would join the program by the end of the year, and possibly more during 2007, the company said.
The new program is a departure from Wal-Mart's current strategy of selling pre-packaged systems. Consumers would be able to choose various components to build their own PC, including processor, monitor and other computer specs.
It is also an effort by the company to increase its profit margins by focusing on high-margin products. Traditionally, Wal-Mart consumers have stuck to much lower margin items, such as food.
However, unlike build-to-order providers like Dell, the customer would be able to take the computer home right away, saving on shipping costs and other related expenses associated with ordering a system online or through a mail order catalog.
While most industries fear Wal-Mart's entry into a category, analysts say this move will not change much. Since the retailer is aiming to allow the consumer to take home computer systems, customization is limited.
Companies like Dell and Gateway, which have become proficient at the build-to-order business model, are able to offer much more customization since the computers are not shipped instantly. Secondly, these companies make a lot of money through business contracts rather than consumer sales, a market Wal-Mart's program is not targeting.
But analysts agree that if the company extends its low-price philosophy into the computer sector, it could become quite popular among its loyal customer base.

Microsoft Buys Imaging Firm Vexcel

2006-05-05T00:56:00.000+05:00

Microsoft on Thursday announced its second acquisition related to the company's new Virtual Earth business unit, buying imaging and remote sensor specialist Vexcel Corp. Vexcel's employees will join the Redmond company and help build out its 2D and 3D mapping capabilities.
Microsoft says that Vexcel's technology will allow it to more quickly expand aerial, bird’s-eye and street-side imagery in its consumer and business applications. "Aligning Vexcel’s talent, expertise, products and services with our vision, resources and offerings will enable us to deliver on our vision better than ever before," said Virtual Earth general manager Stephen Lawler. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Microsoft's adCenter Goes Live in US

2006-05-05T00:53:00.000+05:00

Microsoft said Thursday that it has rolled out its self-serve advertising program adCenter across all its U.S. search queries, a year after the program was first announced. The company hopes that the switch would help to increase advertising revenue, as well as compete more directly with Google in the race for advertising dollars.
The program is still being deployed internationally, with the service already serving ads in France and Singapore. Testing in the U.K. is slated to begin in June.
Microsoft claims that most of the advertisers who have participated in the beta have seen better conversion rates, which is a good measure of success in advertising.
The switch has not been completely painless for Microsoft. After migrating most of its queries over to the program earlier this year, Microsoft saw its revenue per search drop. The company has predicted that its ad sales could drop as much as five percent as a result of the change.
However, Microsoft feels that getting adCenter going is key to its future success. Google is already way ahead of the company, with its AdWords program extremely successful and proving to be a large source of revenue for the Mountain View, Calif., based search giant.
In related news, Microsoft will acquire DeepMetrix, a privately held web analytics firm. DeepMetrix's technologies will be rolled into adCenter's service offering.

Sony Delays First Blu-ray Movies

2006-05-05T00:52:00.000+05:00

Supporters of HD DVD have another reason to be happy Thursday as Sony announced that it would delay the release of the first Blu-ray discs until June 20. However, according to company executives, the delay is not due to any issues with the discs.
The initial Blu-ray movies are still expected to be completed and ready to ship by the previous May 23 deadline. But retail and hardware partners asked for a one-month delay so that the releases would coincide with the first commercially available players.
To be released June 20 is "Underworld Evolution" (arriving the same day as the DVD), "50 First Dates," "The Fifth Element," "Hitch," "House of Flying Daggers," "A Knight's Tale," "The Last Waltz," "Resident Evil Apocalypse" and "XXX."
The first Blu-ray player is to come from Samsung, and that device has been delayed until June 25. Its $999 USD price tag is expected to make it the cheapest Blu-ray disc player for at least several months.
Most players based on the high-definition DVD technology have been priced in the $1,000 to $2,000 USD range.
Warner Home Video is also expected to ship its Blu-ray movie titles at about the same time as the Samsung launch, but the company has not announced a firm date.

Nokia Ships BlackBerry Competitor

2006-05-05T00:51:00.000+05:00

Nokia on Wednesday said it began shipping the Nokia E61, a phone intended to compete with RIM's BlackBerry. The first deliveries began last week, the company said. The E-Series line of phones -- which also includes the E70 and E60 -- was introduced in October of last year in an effort to grab more of the lucrative enterprise market. However, software problems have delayed the release of the E-Series phones, as well as several of Nokia's N-Series Multimedia phone as well.
The E61 looks much like RIM's BlackBerry with a large screen and full QWERTY keyboard. The E70, which comes with a 2-megapixel digital camera, will start shipping later this month. The first E-Series phone, the E60, started shipping last month. Nokia has hopes that the new phones will help turn a profit in its otherwise loss-plagued enterprise division.

Study Shows Piracy a Huge Problem

2006-05-05T00:50:00.000+05:00

A study commissioned by the movie industry has left those involved both baffled and embarrassed, as the issue of piracy seems to be much bigger than anyone thought. Some industry executives have even advocated not releasing the information to the public.
Carried out by LEK Consulting for the MPAA, the study found that U.S. studios lose $6.1 billion annually, much more than earlier estimates of $3.5 billion in losses. Not only is the issue affecting ticket sales, the study found, but also DVD sales, which the studios have increasingly turned to for revenue.
Facing disagreement among its members, the MPAA has apparently halted a plan to publicly release the results. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, while some studios said the study would help the case for tougher piracy laws, others feared the report would show that enforcement isn't working and hurt their bottom line.
The dramatically higher numbers are also a result of new methodology. The MPAA was previously only basing estimates on the result of raids, leading many to believe that countries like Russia and China were the largest piracy markets.
However, under the new methodology, that is no longer the case. In the U.S. alone, piracy losses are a staggering $1.3 billion, followed by Mexico with $483 million.
Such wild swings have even led some to question the validity of the survey's results. However, it should be noted that the previous studies did not factor in the effect of Internet downloading.
It is not clear how or when the MPAA will finally release the data to the public. The organization's head Dan Glickman has made piracy a central tenet of his two-year presidency, and the data could harm his and the MPAA's efforts.

Rhode Island Testing Statewide Wi-Fi

2006-05-02T02:05:00.000+05:00

Rhode Island is in the process of setting up a wireless network that would provide statewide coverage. The $20 million project is expected to be completed by 2007, and would focus on commercial, emergency, and government uses.

The move is an effort to lure businesses away from the Boston metropolitan area, some 50 minutes away from Rhode Island's capital of Providence. Office rents in the Massachusetts city are some of the highest in the country, and a Wi-Fi network may be enough to lure many away.

Tests of the service will begin in June involving Brown University, as well as some state agencies and local businesses. Initially, the three to four foot antennas are being placed in Providence and Newport in the southern part of the state.

The final network would be made up of about 120 base stations across the 1,045 square mile state using a mix of Wi-Fi and WiMAX technologies, backers said, with a minimum speed of 1Mbps. A $20 per month fee or an annual membership would be charged for access.

While the network could have many consumer applications, the creators of the network say it is not being built for that purpose. Usage would primarily be for commercial, emergency, and government uses. Eventually, however, the network could see uses in the consumer market.

Annual costs for operation of the network are expected to run $5 million, according to a commissioned study.

Microsoft Releases MapPoint 2006

2006-05-02T02:03:00.000+05:00

Microsoft on Monday announced the latest release of its MapPoint software-based mapping solution, with an optional GPS hardware kit. With consumers turning to new online mapping services, MapPoint 2006 is being targeted at businesses and focuses on mobile information workers.

New features in the release include GPS support that provides real-time driving directions, Wi-Fi positioning and better offline geographic data. MapPoint 2006 is priced at $299 USD for the software only, and $349 USD with a GPS locater.

Netgear's Skype Wi-Fi Phone Launched

2006-05-02T01:59:00.000+05:00

Netgear said Monday that it would begin accepting pre-orders for its Skype Wi-Fi phone. At a price of $249.99 USD, the candy bar-shaped phone would allow for free Skype calling, as well as calls to landline and mobile phones, over both secured and open Wi-Fi networks.
The phone is the first mobile unit to receive Skype certification, Netgear said in a statement. The device will come preloaded with Skype software and a color display. Calls to landline and mobile phone numbers would require a plan and additional fee. Those interested can pre-order the phone through Netgear's partners and the Skype online store itself.

Amazon Drops Google for Windows Live

2006-05-02T01:56:00.000+05:00

Online retailer Amazon.com has dropped Google as its search result provider and selected Microsoft's new Windows Live Search instead. The change affects both Amazon's A9.com search engine and the company's Alexa toolbar and Web site.
The move is the first public show of support for Microsoft new search technology, which will eventually replace MSN Search after it leaves beta. Although neither Amazon nor Microsoft announced the switch, it follows rumors that eBay was also talking to the Redmond company in response to competition from Google Base. Amazon, like eBay, allows its users to sell their goods through the online store.

NY Times, Microsoft Build Vista App

2006-05-01T00:58:00.000+05:00

The New York Times has joined up with Microsoft to build a new standalone application for reading the newspaper's content on a PC. The tool, called Times Reader, was unveiled Friday in prototype form and takes advantage of the Windows Presentation Foundation that will ship in Vista.
Specifically, Vista's WPF display technologies will enable Times content to be automatically adjusted for any screen size, with users able to customize font size and content relevance. The application will utilize the same font styles as the print edition of the New York Times.
“The Times Reader is a great next step in melding the readability and portability of the newspaper with the interactivity and immediacy of the Web,” said New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger Jr. The program can be used online and offline by downloading stories to the local computer.
Microsoft aided in the development of Times Reader, which it hopes will serve as a starting point for other organizations looking to take advantage of the new capabilities coming in Windows Vista. The Redmond company plans to publish a software development kit in the near future for the purpose.
“The Times Reader is a powerful example of how companies can use software to forge new types of customer connections that span beyond the browser to the desktop and mobile devices,” said Microsoft chairman Bill Gates.
A free download of the Times Reader is expected to be available in the coming months. Although Microsoft has back-ported the new Windows Presentation Foundation to XP, the application will likely require Windows Vista Beta 2, due out at the end of next month.