| Windows 8 RTM Hits File-Sharing Sites Posted: 03 Aug 2012 08:40 PM PDT  Microsoft earlier this week released its upcoming Windows 8 operating system to manufacturers, signaling the end of development and paving the way for a worldwide public release in late October. This does not mean everyone will have to wait that long to get their hands on Windows 8, with Premium MSDN and Technet subscribers scheduled to get their copies on August 15, 2012. Well, at least that's what Microsoft had planned.
No, Microsoft hasn't announced a change in Windows 8's release schedule. Instead, the final version of Windows 8 has leaked onto the Web well ahead of its official rendezvous with developers later this month. The leaked Windows 8 RTM build, which is currently available on many file-sharing sites across the Web, is the Windows 8 Enterprise "N" edition. Meant for Europe, this particular version does not come preloaded with Windows Media Player in accordance with a 2004 European Commission ruling. Windows 8 leaks are nothing new, with the history of such leaks stretching back to April last year. After early builds of the upcoming operating system began leaking last year, there were unconfirmed reports that Microsoft had fired two employees in connection with the leaks. But those firings, if they indeed happened, don't seem to have the desired deterrent effect. |
| Meet the Interface Formerly Known As Metro Posted: 03 Aug 2012 11:59 AM PDT 
Why did Microsoft dump the name Metro for its upcoming OS UI? Was it a legal threat from German-retailer Metro AG? Was it truly just a codename intended to be dumped once Win8 came out as the company has tried to spin it? At this point, no one outside of Microsoft really knows yet but more importantly—What will Microsoft replace it with? Microsoft's design team supposedly drew inspiration for the Metro design style from public transportation signs used in metro transit systems. The UI draws heavily on typography styles instead of blinged out transparencies and rows and rows of icons. Microsoft said it expects to work on a new name but in the meantime, people should refer to the new interface as "Windows 8 style UI." Perhaps continuing with the transportation metro theme and while avoiding any legal entanglements, Microsoft could call the new interface the Subway interface because that's not taken, right? Another possible replacement name could simply be: The Interface Formerly Known As Metro. Comment with your idea and we may run it with the top five new names for Metro in the magazine. |
| Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headset Fetches $1.1 Million on Kickstarter, Still 28 Days to Go Posted: 03 Aug 2012 11:17 AM PDT  Kickstarter is fast becoming the place to go if you have a long shot concept that's capable of capturing the hearts and minds (and wallets) of technology fans. With five days still to go, the Ouya project, which is a $99 Android game console for the living room, has amassed more than $6.5 million, well above it's initial goal of $950,000. More recently, a virtual reality headset called Oculus Rift has managed to attract over $1.1 million in funding in just a couple of days. Yep, it appears the promise of virtual reality isn't dead.
As with the Ouya console, the Oculus Rift is supposed to be affordable, among other things. "The Rift takes 3D gaming to the next level. There are a number of VR headsets out there, but none that deliver a truly immersive gaming experience," the Kickstarter page explains. " Most products either lack the technical features required for believable immersion or sit at a very high price-point ($20,000+) reserved for the military or scientific community. We set out to change all that with the Rift, which is designed to maximize immersion, comfort, and pure, uninhibited fun, at a price everyone can afford." The Oculus Rift dev kit, which is subject to change, currently consists of 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) head tracking, 110 degrees diagonal / 90 degrees horizontal field of view, 1280x800 resolution (640x800 per eye), DVI/HDMI and USB inputs, and support for PC and mobile platforms. You can read all the details on the concept's Kickstarter page and, if so inclined, make a pledge. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Canon Warns Rubber Grips on Rebel T4i DSLR Could Cause Allergic Reaction Posted: 03 Aug 2012 10:56 AM PDT  When you think of allergies, several things come to mind, like peanuts, pets, and pollen. But photography? Strange as it may sound, your choice of digital camera could cause an allergic reaction. Canon has issued a product advisory that warns the rubber grips of some EOS Rebel T4i Digital SLR (EOS 650D/EOS Kiss X6i overseas models) cameras contain a substance that could cause people with sensitive skin to develop a rash or have some other allergic reaction.
Affected models were produced in certain lots between May 31 and June 27, 2012. At issue is the existence of zinc bis, which Canon says isn't used in the production of these cameras, "however the quantity of rubber accelerator used in the affected production lots was slightly higher than usual," and zinc bis could end end up deposited in the grips. Regardless of whether there's an allergic reaction, the rubber grips could turn white after a short period of time, especially in environments prone to high temperatures and high humidity. To check if your model is affected, flip it over and peek at the serial number. If the sixth digit is a "1" then you may have a unit that is prone to this effect. If it's a "2" or higher, your model is not affected. For those who fall into the former category, Canon is offering to repair or replace the device. You can find more information on Canon's product advisory page. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| RIM Took a Hard Look at Android Before Forging Ahead with BlackBerry Posted: 03 Aug 2012 10:24 AM PDT  Research In Motion (RIM) CEO Thorsten Heins has his work cut out for him. Faced with growing skepticism regarding RIM's future, he has to make sure his company delivers the goods and is able to convince business clients and consumers that the BlackBerry platform is still relevant. One has to wonder, wouldn't it have been easier to go all-in with Android instead? That was something Heins said his company looked at, but ultimately decided against.
"We took the conscious decision not to go Android. If you look at other suppliers' ability to differentiate, there's very little wiggle room," Heins explained in an interview with The Telegraph. Heins said his company looked at Android "seriously" but felt the promise of BlackBerry would deliver a better experience to consumers. That also comes with its own set of challenges, of course, and RIM's bottom line has been affected by software and product delays. A lot is hanging on BlackBerry 10, and RIM is planning to launch a pair of BB10 devices in the coming months. That might not be enough. Heins understands there needs to be more and cheaper devices to choose from. "To deliver BB10 we may need to look at licensing it to someone else who can do this at a way better cost proposition than I can do it," Heins added. "There are different options we could do that we're currently investigating." Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Android Jelly Bean Lands on Long Forgotton HP TouchPad Tablet Posted: 03 Aug 2012 09:39 AM PDT  Remember Hewlett-Packard's ill-fated TouchPad tablet? It didn't last long on the market, though it did enjoy a flurry of sales when HP discontinued the tablet and drastically reduced the price. Since then, people have been hacking and modding the slate so as not to be stuck with webOS, and now TouchPad owners are able to get a taste of Google's Jelly Bean build (Android 4.1).
As you probably could have guessed, the Jelly Bean port comes courtesy of famed modder CyanogenMod. According to REVTV, this is a preview build with plenty of missing features. For example, there's no sound after installing the build, the mic doesn't work, you can't use the camera, and video acceleration is absent. In addition, "lots of games and apps don't work." Cyanogen knows his stuff, however, and you can bet that a future release will tie up all the loose ends. In the meantime, if you want to give this build a try, the ROM is available online. Alternately, you can check out the teaser video posted to YouTube while you wait for a better build to materialize. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar Posted: 03 Aug 2012 08:14 AM PDT 
Another week has passed, another glut of sexy tech has graced us with its presence. Dell XPS 15 review If you're looking for a high-end PC that marries good looks and superb performance, and are more Windows than Mac, then you really shouldn't look any further than the Dell XPS 15. Sure, the Sony Vaio S series probably has the upper hand when it comes to aesthetics on the laptop top-table, and the Asus N56V shades it slightly in terms of operating pace, but the Dell XPS 15 ticks a much wider range of boxes and delivers with aplomb on all fronts. The final mention must go to the incredible Corning Gorilla Glass, Full HD display. It may not have the "wow" factor of the MacBook Pro with Retina display, but in the PC market we're not sure we've seen anything quite as impressive. Asus Transformer Pad Infinity review Asus has almost defined its tablets as the de facto alternatives to the iPad, and with this offering it's hard to argue. Everything we'd look for in a high-end tablet is present and accounted for with the Transformer Pad Infinity. While power is always welcomed, it was the improved screen that really caught our attention. Given that we use our tablet mostly for browsing the web and watching video, we couldn't help but marvel at the resolution, either. If you've already bought the Asus Transformer Prime, then you won't need to upgrade – but if you're looking for a top Android tablet (and have the cash to splash), then the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity should be at the top of your list. Humax DTR-T1000 review This first generation YouView box from Humax offers the best integration of On Demand and Catch-up available from any platform, and that includes subscription offerings from Sky and Virgin Media. Browsing content is intuitive and the menu system is fresh and inviting, though the lack of integrated Wi-Fi will cause its target technophobe audience some consternation. 
This debut Humax box also has some (admittedly minor) noise management issues to resolve. Caveats aside, what we have here is a forward looking Freeview HD PVR which fundamentally changes the user viewing experience. The game has most definitely been changed - YouView is breath of fresh air in the PVR market. The user interface is smart in every sense, and overall performance is high. This is 21st century TV done right. ZTE Grand X review Criticising the ZTE Grand X for its ugly looks, ordinary camera and underwhelming screen almost seems churlish when held against its extraordinary price-performance ratio. Offering a dual-core processor and stock Android 4.0 OS for less than £200, this is a no-nonsense phone that punches well above its weight. Sony Vaio S Series 13P review The Sony S Series 13P is a shining example of Sony's ability to craft great laptops and it's practically flawless as an ultraportable business machine. The inclusion of a Blu-ray drive doesn't stop it being a bit of a let-down when it comes to multimedia, but frankly that's splitting hairs considering the performance and extra features you get out of this machine. The boxy, executive design might not appeal to all but the usability is certainly up to Sony's usual high standard. If you need a powerful, portable business machine, the Sony Vaio S Series 13P should be topping your list. Cameras Pentax K-30 review 
Cooling Thermaltake Water 2.0 Extreme review Spire TME III review Graphics cards Elgato Game Capture HD review Hard drives Seagate Backup Plus 500GB review Headsets Sennheiser 323D 3D G4ME review Keyboards Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover review Laptops Lenovo IdeaPad U410 review Asus Zenbook UX32A review Sony Vaio S Series 13P review Mobile phones Nokia 808 PureView review Samsung Tocco Lite 2 review 
Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 review Huawei Ascend P1 review Routers Apple AirPort Express review Software Sage One Payroll review |
| Samsung to Unveil Galaxy Note Successor on August 29 Posted: 03 Aug 2012 08:07 AM PDT  How do you followup a device that blurs the line the between a smartphone and a tablet with a 5.3-inch touchscreen, stylus input, and call making capabilities? We'll find out later this month when Samsung reveals the successor to its Galaxy Note smartphone/tablet hybrid, or "phablet" if you prefer to call it that (sounds better than "tablone," don't you think?). Word on the Web is that Samsung is planning a smartphone event on August 29.
There are conflicting reports on exactly what Samsung is willing to divulge at this point. "We plan to unveil the next Galaxy Note at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event in Berlin on August 29," a Samsung spokesman apparently told Reuters, without elaborating on any details. At the same time, AllThingsD said it spoke with a Samsung representative who said the company "can confirm the Unpacked event will take place on August 29th, but we cannot disclose information on what will be unveiled." Be that as it may, it appears the other spokesperson let the cat out of the bag, whether Samsung approved the message or not. While we don't have any concrete info to go on, there's been chatter that the second coming of the Galaxy Note could feature an even bigger touchscreen (5.5 inches), a faster CPU, and an improved camera. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Smartphone Maker HTC Sees 2Q Profits Slide 60 Percent Posted: 03 Aug 2012 07:08 AM PDT  Companies like HTC and every other smartphone maker competing against Apple and Samsung face a harsh reality, albeit an obvious one -- they're not Apple or Samsung. That should go without saying, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow the fact that everyone seems to want an iPhone or Galaxy S III. HTC, which played a major role in popularizing Android as a legitimate contender in the mobile OS space, is now struggling to remain relevant in a market it helped create.
HTC's profits in the second quarter came to NT$7.4 billion (around US$246.8 million). That's better than posting a loss, but for HTC, that represents a 60 percent decline from one year ago. HTC's revenue dropped almost 27 percent NT$91.04 billion (about US$3 billion). Despite pulling in a profit, these are concerning numbers for HTC. The problem has to do with growth potential, and right now, HTC's numbers are moving in the wrong direction. Looking ahead to the third quarter, HTC doesn't expect much relief, forecasting revenue to drop even further to NT$70-80 billion. The company is trying to remain positive, pointing out "growing brand awareness, strong operator partnerships, and an increasing retail presence" in China, but a lot is riding on HTC's ability to turn things around. HTC's betting big on its HTC One series, which represents a recent shift in strategy to focus on a handful of smartphone models rather than deluge the market with a million different devices. HTC 2Q Business Review (PDF) Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Sony Reports $315 Million Loss, Expects "Significantly Lower" Hardware Sales Posted: 03 Aug 2012 06:21 AM PDT  Someone at Sony is probably listening to the Carter Family belt out "Keep On the Sunny Side" after having to report to investors (PDF) a $315 million net loss during the company's first fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012, but as it turns out, maintaining a positive outlook is no easy task. In fact, Sony's financial outlook for the full fiscal year is the exact opposite. In pretty much every sector of business, Sony expects business to be lower than previously forecast, and in terms of portable hardware (think PS Vita), Sony expects "significantly lower" sales than what was being forecast in May.
Sony's game sales are down 14.5 percent year-over-year, a decrease the company blames on "lower sales of hardware and software of the PSP and PlayStation 3." This alone resulted in an operating loss of $45 million. Hardware sales weren't the main problem, however. The company complained of a strong yen and slumping LCD TV sales. At the same time, however, the yen is about where it was at when Sony issued its May forecast, so it doesn't fully explain what's troubling Sony. A silver lining for Sony was movie sales, which jumped 6.2 percent year-over-year, benefiting from higher theatrical revenues from the current fiscal year's film slate, and in particular Men in Black 3. Follow Paul on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook |
