TechReviewSource.com

Microsoft Slims Down Workforce By 800 Jobs

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:42:27 -0800

Effective late yesterday, Microsoft has confirmed the cutting of 800 jobs dispersed across many different product teams. About 25% of the the cuts will come from the Seattle area. The announcement made in January stating a planned 5000 employee terminations would occur was officially completed with these recent cuts.

“Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had said in May that the company was almost, but not quite completely, finished with the planned 5,000 job cuts at that point. Microsoft has continued to hire in some areas even as it has cut back in others, reducing the net effect of the job reductions.”

MSN Unveils a New Design

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:12:11 -0800

Microsoft today has unveiled a new redesign of its MSN.com portal. The new site sports a new look that is much cleaner and streamlined compared to the current design, which is bloated with a lot of information. MSN will now use Silverlight technology to display video content from more than 300 content providers, including Hulu and National Geographic. Tabs are now used to help organize content by topic, such as news, entertainment, games, etc. There is also an integration of Twitter, Facebook, and Windows Live right on the homepage.

The new design isn’t “live” yet per se, but you can use the preview, which is available here.

iPhones Hacked, Windows Share is Down & Verizon v. AT&T

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:21:52 -0800

A Dutch hacker has demonstrated that he can hack into jailbroken iPhones running SSH with default root passwords and display a message on them. The message reads: “Your iPhone’s been hacked because it’s really insecure! Please visit doiop.com/iHacked and secure your iPhone right now! Right now, I can access all your files.” The URL in the message sends users to PayPal to pay €5 to receive instructions to remove the message. If you have a jailbroken iPhone out there, be sure to change the default root password and this won’t happen to you.

Now almost two weeks after the launch of Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system, the percentage of Mac computers surfing the Web according to Net Applications has grown from September 2009 to October 2009 while Windows computers declined. According to their statistics, Microsoft Windows totaled 92.54% (down 0.25%) and Mac OS was 5.27% (up 2.73%). Windows 7’s total share was 3%, taking most of its share from Windows XP.

In recent Verizon TV advertising, they have been downplaying AT&T’s 3G network coverage by showing two maps comparing Verizon’s 3G vs. AT&T’s 3G network coverage. The ad states that Verizon has 5 times more 3G coverage than AT&T. AT&T is suing Verizon because the map shown of AT&T’s coverage “misleads” customers into thinking the white space on the map is areas of total no coverage instead of just non-3G coverage.

T-Mobile Service is Down in the United States

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:03:27 -0800

We’ve been getting reports from T-Mobile users that they haven’t been able to send/receive texts and make/receive phone calls for about two hours now. An official statement from T-Mobile reads: “T-Mobile customers may be experiencing service disruptions impacting voice and data. Our rapid response teams have been mobilized to restore service as quickly as possible. We will provide updates as more information is available.”

The is apparently affecting the entire United States, but hopefully they’ll get things back and up running soon.

Update: It seems like the service is coming back up for some, at least partially. Some are reporting they are receiving text messages, but still cannot send or make/receive calls.

Windows 7 SP1 Details Emerge

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:05:12 -0800

Windows 7 has only been out for under two weeks and details about Service Pack 1 have already emerged according to Windows rumor site Wzor. Windows 7 SP1 will contain hotfixes for application compatibility and any other bug reports that appear since Windows 7’s general release.

Wzor says the first beta of Windows 7 SP1 will be released in January 2010 and there will be a total of two beta releases and two release candidate releases after that. They also believe that SP1 will ship to computer makers during summer 2010 and a general release to users in the fall of next year.

Wzor also released an image they are claiming to be an internal folder structure of SP1 builds as seen below:

iPhone 3GS v. Palm Pre v. MyTouch 3G v. Droid Comparison Chart

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:53:58 -0700

A comparison chart comparing the features and overall price (including wireless fees) between the Apple iPhone 3GS, Palm Pre, MyTouch 3G, and the all-new Motorola Droid.

Chart Credit: BillShrink.com

Ubuntu 9.10 ‘Karmic Koala’ Releases

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:09:07 -0700

Today delivers news for all Linux users and fans: a 9.10 release of Ubuntu. It is called “Karmic Koala” and has several new additions to bring to the table. For one, it is supposed to give a completely new look, feel and overall effect on the OS experience. It features a faster graphical boot sequence, a new and fresh framework that improves sound control in multiple applications and now visually displays and simplifies the Add/Remove Programs and Applications tool. All of the changes seem to be user-centric and the release is available in desktop, server and netbook editions. You can find 9.10 here.

Nintendo Wii 2 Specs Leaked

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:23:52 -0700

A Nintendo France marketing employee has seemed to have leaked the specifications of the upcoming Wii 2 that hasn’t even been publicly announced yet. Due out in Q3 of 2010, the Wii 2 will contain many multimedia upgrades. There will also be a trade in program to trade in original Wii consoles for a Wii 2 at a lower cost.

The translated text from MaxConsole are as follows:

- The Wii2 system will feature a Blu-Ray drive with a secondary aim of stopping piracy.
- 1080P and lower resolutions will be supported, for Blu-ray movies and games.
- The release date is scheduled for third quarter of 2010.
- The release will be worldwide and on the same day for all countries.
- A scheme will be available in which it is possible to trade in the original Wii for a cheaper price on the new Wii 2.

Moreover, Nintendo wants to make a worldwide announcement, only one month before release date. Huge publicity and Viral Marketing will be utilized to create the Buzz. Official pictures are not yet available, and more specs will be released in due course.

MSN Direct Ends in 2012 and Netflix Streaming Hits Nintendo

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:17:42 -0700

Today has been quite interesting as far GPS-news is concerned with announcements from Google introducing GPS services, and now Microsoft has delivered news of their own: the refuted “lifetime” services now have an official expiration date, January 1st, 2012. This gives users time to switch (possibly to Google’s services?) and anyone may cancel their subscription early and receive a pro-rated refund for any of their unused portion of their purchase. The current MSN-direct GPS devices will continue to function as normal until the shutdown, and will then function as basic navigation units after the shutdown.

Netflix Instant Streaming has been very successful on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3, and word has it Nintendo’s Wii will be next to offer the application. StreamingMedia states an undisclosed source has confirmed Nintendo is currently testing on the Wii and the release date will be in the near future. Christmas is around the corner and it’s expected the release will be sometime before the holidays to give incentive. However, this release was expected to have released in March so only time will tell.

Google to Offer Turn-by-Turn GPS App: Has Huge Market Impact

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:06:37 -0700

Google announced they are working on a GPS navigation application that will offer turn-by-turn directions for the upcoming release of Google’s Android 2.0 mobile operating system. Google is reportedly working closely with Apple to develop the same application for the iPhone, which would be a huge blow to other GPS navigation application developers. The iPhone app is rumored to take advantage of Google Maps and its street mapping and satellite maps. The application would also use live traffic data from road measurement devices and other phones running Google Maps to measure their speed to determine areas of slower traffic. The program would also offer cached maps, meaning users would still be able to map their position regardless of Internet connectivity.

Check out video of the application in action (courtesy of Engadget) after the break.

This application has far reaching implications, including encroaching on the market of current iPhone navigation developers, such as TomTom and Garmin, whose stock prices today have plummeted. Click here to follow the current price for Garmin, TomTom, and Google’s stock.

2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:39:26 -0800

The season for holiday shopping is upon us, whether you're ready for it or not. But our holiday gift guide is here to help with product suggestions in a variety of categories for all budgets. Each product recommendation is accompanied with a price comparison from trusted online retailers. If you tell us what's on your holiday wish list this year, you have a chance to win a free copy of Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade!

Lenovo ThinkPad SL510

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:40:48 -0800

Lenovo is one of the larger laptop makers out there and they always make good products that we like. The new Lenovo ThinkPad SL510 is a solid laptop that is built for tough use and will last for a long time. It's a nice system for personal use (or business use) that offers solid performance that will last for a few years, in both durability and compatibility.

LaCie Starck Mobile (320GB)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:39:14 -0800

External hard drives are always nice to have, especially since they are so useful for transporting data, making backups, and adding more storage capacity to your computer. LaCie, a storage solution company, has released the LaCie Starck Mobile external hard drive with a modest capacity of 320GB. It has a sleek design with a retractable USB cable, but it has some shortcomings, like the transfer speeds and other aspects.

Microsoft Makes "Signature PCs" Without Bloatware

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:28:57 -0700

One thing we hate about buying a new Windows-based computer is all the bloatware that comes with it. PC makers lower the cost of their computers by including trialware software from software makers, most likely security software and productivity software. Most users won't want any of this software because it expires after a short period of time or it is software they simply don't need. Microsoft is selling in its two retail and online stores that do not contain any of this bloatware and making the computer buying experience more streamlined and customizable for the user.

Motorola Droid Preview

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:04:03 -0700

The Motorola Droid has surfaced and it has been rumored to be an 'iPhone Killer' and in this preview, we will run down the features of the Droid. The Droid will be a Verizon Wireless-only device in the United States and will run Google's new Android 2.0 mobile operating system.

8 Things We Want to See in Windows 8

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:47:27 -0700

Windows 7 was just released this week and we are already starting to look ahead to Windows 8, which Microsoft is already in the process of developing even before 7 was released earlier this week. So far the reception of Windows 7 has been mostly positive and definitely better than Windows Vista, but there are still things we wish it had. Below are our top 8 things we want to see in Windows 8.

Windows 7: The Final Verdict

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:23:29 -0700

The culmination of our Windows 7 coverage is upon us, today is the day Windows 7 is publicly available in retail stores and pre-installed on new computers. Microsoft is hoping Windows 7 will wash away all the prejudices consumers now have of the Windows operating system because of the Vista debacle. We've been lucky enough to have been playing with various builds of Windows 7 along its development since January 2009 and we really like what we've seen.

Windows 7 Feature Focus: Netflix Instant Streaming

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:42:51 -0700

Netflix Instant Streaming has finally been added to Windows 7's Windows Media Center program, which allows Netflix subscribers to instantly stream movies that are available for streaming right to their Windows 7 PC in a matter of seconds. Each Netflix member subscriber receives unlimited hours of instant streaming each month, which is a huge plus if you have your PC connected to a TV or if you are looking to watch a new movie without having to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix. It's easy to use and the interface is quite intuitive and it works great.

Windows 7 Feature Focus: HomeGroup

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:00:35 -0700

In Windows 7, Microsoft has included a new networking feature aimed to ease networking computers and sharing files on a home network called HomeGroups. In the past, networking computers meant assigning them to a specific workgroup and it was tough to get it all working right all the time, so HomeGroups aim to solve all those issues by making it one-click , which it pretty much is.

Windows 7: Security Features

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:54:25 -0700

Unfortunately, the Windows operating system that we've grown to know and love (or hate) is not the most secure operating system by any means, but Windows 7 promises to change that. We agree too: Windows 7 is the most secure operating system Microsoft has ever made. This exposé of the many security features in Windows 7 include the new Action Center, improved UAC, and more.

Windows 7 Feature Focus: How to Use Libraries

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:05:07 -0700

In our continuing series to get you ready for the release of Windows 7, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at perhaps the biggest change to Windows Explorer: Libraries. You'll run into Libraries each time you open a Windows Explorer window and they come pre-configured on each new installation of Windows 7, but what are they for and how do you use them? Their concept may seem a little confusing at first, but they are actually very handy if you know how to use them.

Samsung DualView TL225

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:32:52 -0700

If you're looking for a digital camera with one feature that stands out among all the rest, the Samsung DualView TL225 has got it: a dual LCD screen for self-portraits. The 12.4-megapixel has two viewfinders, one on the front and one on the back. The main LCD is 3.5-inches and is a touch screen as well. The above average image quality makes it a camera worth checking out if you want something both unique and functional.

Windows 7: How to Upgrade

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:12:00 -0700

With Windows 7's release date coming quickly, it's important to understand how to update your existing computer to Windows 7, if that's what you elect to do. In performing an update from either XP or Vista, make sure you know the process in order to prevent data loss or any other critical errors. You must also make sure your computer is compatible with Windows 7 and our quick guide to upgrading will show you the way.

Microsoft Security Essentials

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:12:20 -0700

Microsoft will release the final version of its free and new security software, named Microsoft Security Essentials, on Tuesday, September 29. It includes a new interface, some new features, and a price tag of free, which is best of all. Microsoft says it hopes that everyone will make use of it to provide basic worldwide protection from viruses and malware.

Windows 7: 50% Off OEM Copies From Newegg

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:41:53 -0700

Did you miss out on the discounted pricing that was offered for Windows 7 a few months ago? Not to worry, you can still get up to 50% off Windows 7 by buying OEM copies from online retailer Newegg.

Windows 7: Should You Upgrade?

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:23:38 -0700

In our continuing series to prepare you for Windows 7, which releases on October 22, we answer that one important question: Should you upgrade to Windows 7. Either by purchasing a new PC or upgrading your existing PC from Vista or XP, it can be a tough decision whether or not to make the move to Windows 7. The question is easier for people who are using XP, but it's a little tougher for Vista users.

Microsoft Office Web Apps Preview

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:10:23 -0700

Microsoft just today made the beta of its Office Web Apps online service available to select users and we got access to it and took a look around. It's by no means feature-complete and there are actually many bugs that prevent it from being used in a production fashion right now. However, the concept of being able to edit and create Office documents anywhere from the world from the Web app interface is an incredible powerful and flexible thing to have. The Web apps are limited in functionality, but they will be perfect for quick jobs while on the go.

Microsoft Zune HD

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:53:25 -0700

Microsoft has released the new Zune HD and they are hoping it will be a direct competitor to the Apple iPod line of MP3 players. It comes in two capacities, 16GB ($219) and 32GB ($289), and two colors, black and silver. The new device sports an HD radio, a beautiful user interface, and Internet browsing. There are drawbacks to the device, one of which is the lack of an App store that compares to the Apple iTunes App Store.

iPhone & iPod Touch 3.1: What's New?

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:58:13 -0700

Apple on Wednesday released the new iPhone 3.1 update for both the iPhone and iPod Touch in conjunction with the new version of iTunes, version 9. iTunes 9 adds many new features, such as application management and Genius Mixes, but iPhone 3.1 also added many new features, like a remote lock feature and MMS features (but still not actual MMS messaging yet in the U.S.).

HTC Touch Pro2 (Sprint)

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 06:12:17 -0700

The T-Mobile HTC Touch Pro2 has been a fairly popular phone that performs really well and has a large touch screen, a QWERTY keyboard, and multimedia features. The new Sprint version of the Touch Pro2 offers other features, including a headphone jack and updated software.

Lenovo IdeaPad U350

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:53:44 -0700

Lenovo has been known to make some really good low-cost systems that are powerhouse systems without all the extras the other laptop makers throw into their systems. Their notebooks tend to be very thin and extremely portable, which makes Lenovo systems perfect for a frequent traveler or anyone on-the-go. This model, the IdeaPad U350, has a 13.3 inch display, 3GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and has excellent battery life.

Windows 7 Resource Center

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 06:50:04 -0700

Windows 7's public release date is on October 22, but you don't want to wait until then to learn all about the latest operating system from Microsoft. There are many new features added to Windows 7, from BitLocker to Go to Windows XP Mode. You will want to read up on these new features before you decide on which version of Windows 7 to purchase as different features come in different versions of the software.

Mac OS X Snow Leopard: What's New?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:49:15 -0700

Apple's latest version of their operating system, Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard), goes on sale this Friday. As its name suggests, Snow Leopard is a refinement of its previous Leopard 10.5 OS, offering performance and functionality improvements. Apple has made upgrading from Leopard a snap and cheap too, with an upgrade version costing only $29 for Intel-based Macs running Leopard.

Windows 7 Upgrade Paths

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:51:33 -0700

Microsoft has provided upgrade paths in the past for its previous operating systems and Windows 7 is no exception. Because of the many product versions of Windows 7 available and the variety of previous operating systems to upgrade from, the best path to choose may seem difficult. As part of our Windows 7 informational series, we lay out the various upgrade paths to make them easier for users to understand.

HP Officejet 6500 Wireless All-In-One

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:50:09 -0700

All-in-One printers have certainly been a popular item recently as more people are looking to consolidate their many devices in their workspace into one multi-function device. The HP Officejet 6500 Wireless All-In-One is a reasonable choice because of its wireless capabilities and its decent printing speed. The price isn't too expensive either, with a retail of around $200.

Windows 7 Product Editions Compared

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:51:38 -0700

Windows 7, like Vista, comes in six different product editions, from Starter to Ultimate. The average end user may be confused by the different versions and the choice of which to get may be difficult to make. We've tried to make it simpler and easier to understand with a table and some comparison between each edition. Make sure you know which edition to get when you buy a new PC or retail version before Windows 7 comes out.

Zune HD Preview & Comparison

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:30:00 -0700

The Zune HD from Microsoft is a hot topic on the Internet recently and more information has been released about the upcoming device. Other companies have struggled to come up with an Apple iPod alternative and Microsoft's previous Zune devices haven't gained much ground either. With the Zune HD, Microsoft is hoping to gain significant ground against the iPod and possibly even overtake it.

Magellan Maestro 4370

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:20:20 -0700

The Magellan Maestro 4370 offers GPS navigation of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. There is voice guidance and announced street names to make navigation safer and other features, such as land guidance and 3D buildings, increase accuracy and easy of use. Live traffic reporting is also included and allows you to navigate around heavy traffic.

Windows 7 RTM: New Feature Roundup

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:03:21 -0700

Windows 7's release is coming up quick and for some of you, it's right around the corner. TechNet and MSDN subscribers get Windows 7 August 6th and volume license customers get it September 1st. There's certainly been a lot of coverage of the Windows 7 development because Microsoft has been pushing hard to make this the best version of Windows yet. Many new features have been included in Windows 7, some big and some small. We have listed some of the more major and noticeable changes to help you make the switch to Windows 7.

Toshiba Mini NB205-N210

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:01:00 -0700

Netbooks are all the hot thing right now in the tech market because you can get portable computing for under $400 and they offer some really nice features as well. In particular, the Toshiba Mini NB205-N210 has 1GB of RAM, a large 160GB of hard drive space, a 10.1-inch widescreen LCD, and is an Energy Star 5.0 certified PC, which means it uses less power and therefore gives you a lot of battery life.