Posts tagged Vista at Switched

CinemaNow Comes to Windows Vista Media Center

by Terrence O'Brien, posted May 27th 2008 at 8:05AM

Before Amazon Unbox, the Netflix Roku, and iTunes movie rentals, there was a movie downloading service called CinemaNow. The service has long been overshadowed by its flashier competitors, but it is hoping to score some new customers by updating its service with a Vista Media Center plug-in that will let you browse and play its films using Vista Media Center's Tivo-like interface.

CinemaNow's selection does leave something to be desired, however. Recent smashes like 'Juno' and 'There Will be Blood' are yours for the taking, but its catalog of older classics and independent films is sorely lacking. Even Akira Kurosawa's classic 'Seven Samurai' and the Scorcese masterpiece 'Raging Bull' are nowhere to be found. [Sourece: Download Squad]

Microsoft Finally Releases New Vista Ultimate Extras, Still "Ultimate" in Name Only

by Ryan Block, posted Apr 23rd 2008 at 2:08PM

Last year Microsoft really carried on about fulfilling its commitment to all the power users that anted up to get untold future Vista Ultimate Extras -- yet none really materialized besides the disappointing early stuff like DreamScene and Texas Hold 'Em. Well, get ready to feel a whole new wave of Ultimate justification wash over you, because today Microsoft is releasing a trifecta of new Extras: sound schemes, DreamScape animations, and OS language packs. Oh yeah, there's definitely some Vista "Wow" in here -- but it's mostly from being kind of appalled at these sorry post-apologetic excuses for "ultimate"-grade software additions. Someone wake us when Microsoft decides it cares about making good on its many unfulfilled promises to Vista users. [Source: Microsoft]

Microsoft Extends XP's Life Again -- For Low Cost PCs Only

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Apr 7th 2008 at 9:17AM

Windows XP is turning into the operating system (OS) that just won't die. After extending the life of its last generation OS from January of 2008 until June, Microsoft is giving the aging system another stay of execution, this time till June 30, 2010, or one year after the launch of Windows 7, whichever is later.

If you're thinking this sounds too good to be true, you're right. There is a catch. Windows XP will only be available and approved for so-called Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULCPC), such as the Eee or Classmate. Microsoft is giving manufacturers the option of using XP Home or Vista Home Basic on its ULCPC devices. But even in its most stripped down form, Vista is often more than these machines can handle and makes them operate more slowly.

This seems more or less like an admission that Vista has been a disappointment for Microsoft. The OS was geared at high powered desktops with dedicated graphics cards. Unfortunately for Mr. Gates and crew, the computer industry took an unexpected turn towards smaller and cheaper computers. Small form factor desktops, home theater PCs, and ultra-portable laptops are the hot markets right now, places where low power components are necessary to keep components cool, quiet, and lasting hours on a single battery charge.

We don't doubt Microsoft did its best, but Vista was not long for this world.

From Cnet

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Major Windows Vista Update Available Today

by Tim Stevens, posted Mar 18th 2008 at 3:01PM

For people who have taken the plunge of upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista (product info), these have been some trying times. There are a number of small but irritating incompatibilities and glitches in the new Microsoft operating system that have many users wishing they'd stuck with the tried and true Windows XP. For months now, Microsoft has been putting the finishing touches on a major update that could solve many of these issues. At last, t's finally ready for download.

The update is called Service Pack One, or just "SP1" in Windows talk. A service pack is the traditional term for a giant batch of updates all rolled into one massive download. On its site, Amazon lists the SP1 version available for pre-order, and now lists the non-SP1 editions as "old version." The site now indicates that the SP1 editions will be shipping tomorrow, but if you happened to have just purchased one of those "old version" editions of Vista, don't worry: The update download is free from Microsoft. Still, you might want to burn that download to a CD or something, otherwise you're going to have to pull it from the company's site again and again every time you have to re-install. At 434 megabytes for the full download, it's not something you're going to want to do twice.

If you're a Vista user and are ready to take the plunge, you can head on over to Microsoft's site to start your downloading.

From Engadget

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Microsoft Drops Windows Vista Prices

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Feb 29th 2008 at 6:37PM

Microsoft, in a last ditch effort to save the floundering Vista, has reduced the prices on the premium versions of its latest operating system. The move is unprecedented. Microsoft's Windows XP still costs the same as it did the day it came out in 2001, despite being superseded by Vista.

Vista Ultimate, which pretty much includes all Vista features (including Aero and Windows Media Center) will drop from $399 to $319 for the full version and $220 for the upgrade, from $299. The Home Premium upgrade will drop to $129 from $159. The price cut will apply globally, but prices will vary from region to region.

The price cut only applies to retail boxed version of the product however, so it'll only benefit those who are upgrading old computers, many of which, as Engadget points out, aren't even fast enough to run Vista properly. Will this help push Vista out the door any faster? Probably not, but it's still nice to see Microsoft scale back some of its absurd prices.

From CNET and Engadget.

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Class Action Lawsuit Against Microsoft for Windows Vista Marketing

by Thomas Houston , posted Feb 27th 2008 at 7:31AM

Things continue to look worse for Microsoft's Windows Vista. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman certified a class-action lawsuit claiming that Microsoft's marketing practices during the holiday season of 2006 misled consumers and artificially increased computer prices.

The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that many found that their new computers labeled with "Windows Vista Capable" stickers could only run the stripped-down, Home Basic version of the software. Because Home Basic lacks many of the features Microsoft advertised as "Vista" --Aero, Media Center PC, and window-switching--the lawsuit argues that the computers were deceptively labeled. In response, Microsoft says that Home Basic includes all the essential features of Windows Vista.

From AP

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Windows Vista Update Disables Anti-Virus Programs

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Feb 22nd 2008 at 4:11PM

Vista Update Stops Some Programs from Working Properly

Microsoft is preparing to release the first major update to Vista, Service Pack 1 (SP1), which is supposed to clear out some of the major issues users have had with Vista, including speed and compatibility problems. Unfortunately for those eagerly awating SP1, it seems that Microsoft is creating just as many problems as it's solving.

Microsoft released an admittedly incomplete list of applications that will either not work properly or not work at all with SP1:

BitDefender AV
Fujitsu Shock Sensor
Jiangmin KV Antivirus 10
Jiangmin KV Antivirus 2008
Trend Micro Internet Security
Zone Alarm Security Suite
Iron Speed Designer
Xheo Licensing
Free Allegiance
NYT Reader
Rising Personal Firewall
Novell ZCM Agent

Ironically, most of the applications that will lose functionality or not work at all with Vista SP1 are security applications -- namely firewalls and anti-virus programs. One of the major complaints against Microsoft Windows is its relative insecurity when compared to Mac OS X and the Linux operating systems, so losing access to security programs will be a major drawback for most users.

From Beta News

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Vista 'Most Disapointing Tech of 2007'

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Dec 17th 2007 at 1:47PM

Vista Tops List of Most Disapointing Tech of 2007

The boys in Redmond just can't catch a break. Every time Vista makes the press it's pretty much so the media can beat up on the Operating System that couldn't. And PC World has just put anoter nail in Vista's shrink-wrapped coffin.

We love December, it's the most wonderful time of the year: list time! PC World has released their 15 Most Disappointing Tech Products of 2007, and topping that list is Vista. Why? Five years in the making and the best Microsoft could come up with is a very shiny, slightly annoying, absurdly overpriced software package that is missing some of the most exciting features that were promised by Microsoft when the project was still called Longhorn.

To be fair, every semi-hyped gadget and technology trend made the list. Social Networks, the Zune, Leopard, the iPhone, and Office 2007 were all in there. But, we certainly agree that Vista deserves to be at the top of this heap 'o' crap.

From PC World

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Next Version of Windows Detailed

by Tim Stevens, posted Oct 19th 2007 at 9:51AM

Millions of PC users haven't even made the switch to Windows Vista yet, but that's not stopping Microsoft engineers from getting to work on the next version. For now, It's simply called Windows 7, as it will be the seventh iteration of the venerable (and frequently reviled) computer operating system (OS).

Microsoft employee Eric Traut recently gave a presentation at the University of Illinois regarding various Windows-related topics, among them the next release of the operating system. He didn't get into too many details, primarily focusing on the OS's new kernel called MinWin. A kernel is the term for the core of the operating system -- the basic functionality required for things like operating disk drives and accessing RAM. MinWin is an effort to strip out all the unnecessary functionality introduced into the operating system over the decades with the hopes of making it clean and fast.

When can we expect Windows 7 to be boxed and available for install? Likely not for quite some time. Work on Vista (initially called "Longhorn") started way back in 2001 and wasn't released until January of 2007. Vista was delayed much longer than anticipated, but even so, it doesn't look like you'll have to upgrade past Vista for at least another five years. In the meantime, if you'd like to watch Eric's full presentation, it's hosted here.

From Slashdot

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Microsoft Caves to Consumer Pressure, Extends Windows XP's Lifespan

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Sep 28th 2007 at 11:00AM

Just few short days after we asked you if it was time to 'downgrade' from the Windows Vista operating system back to Windows XP, Microsoft has announced that it will extend XP's run for those of us uninterested in the seemingly guaranteed headaches Vista has to offer. In response to a variety of problems reported by customers and lackluster Vista PC sales cited by manufacturers, Microsoft will continue to sell XP five months past its original end-of-life date, now through to the end of June 2008.

Microsoft is also extending sales of Windows XP Starter Edition, a very stripped-down version of the operating system built for very low-end PCs in developing countries. Starter Edition's stay of execution has been extended until the end of January 2010, which is a wise move for Microsoft since few people in the emerging markets it is targeting can afford the high hardware requirements that Vista demands.

Microsoft's current forecast expects that XP will account for about 22 percent of Windows sales in the current year to June with Vista comprising the remainder, a surprisingly high percent for an OS that is supposed to be being phased out.

From Reuters

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The Gateway One -- Is This The Sexiest Computer Ever?

by Tom Samiljan, posted Sep 27th 2007 at 12:05PM

Long associated with no-frills design and affordability, computer manufacturer Gateway seems to be changing its tune in a big way with the unveiling today of its new Gateway One PC.

Compared to the surprisingly sleek M-series laptops that came out a few weeks ago, the One, with its slanted, all-in-one, flat-panel design, is even more of a departure for Gateway.

Sure, it may look like a black iMac, but it's got some extra twists that make it impressively innovative. For one thing, it's got a one-cord design, which means just one cable goes from the back of the monitor to a power adapter box, which is where Gateway cleverly located all the typical computer cable outputs. In other words, it's perfect for uncluttered desks or even a table, since it basically looks like a flat-panel TV.

It also has a cool "hidden" flat-panel SoundVu NXT speaker, which uses elements of the screen and the bezel to create a sound robust enough to rival external speakers (which would ruin the sleek looks of this all-in-one PC, anyway).

We saw this baby a few weeks ago when Gateway stopped by to show us, and it's every bit as sleek as the iMac, for all you PC lovers out there. We just got our hands on one, too, and will report back when we've had some time to play around with it.

The Windows-Vista-enabled PC starts at $1,299 at the Gateway Web site and Best Buy and comes in three configurations:

The $1,299.99 configuration includes an Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual-core processor; Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100; 320GB SATA II hard drive(2) and a 1.3 megapixel Web cam.

The $1,799.99 configuration includes an Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 dual-core processor; ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics; 500GB SATA II hard drive(2) and a 1.3 megapixel Web cam and an analog/digital TV tuner.

The Gateway One model available direct from Gateway includes an Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 dual-core processor; ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2600 XT graphics; 400GB Serial ATA II hard drive(2); and a 1.3 megapixel Web cam for $1,499.99.

Hot, hot, hot! What do you think? Is this thing sleek enough to replace your iMac?

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Is it Time to Downgrade from Windows Vista?

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Sep 25th 2007 at 1:13PM

Nine months after the much delayed, and much ballyhooed launch of Windows Vista, things are not looking good for Microsoft's new operating system. Since its release, users have lodged a litany of complaints against Bill Gates's new baby, including poor device and application compatibility, high hardware requirements, and frequent crashes.

In order to sell new computers, which more often than not come with Vista pre-installed, PC manufacturers and retailers are now offering to downgrade customers back to Windows XP. The U.K. electronics retailer Dabs.com now offers to install XP onto new Sony VAIO computers instead of Vista, with the option to switch back to Vista in the future. As we reported last April, Dell has also begun offering XP as an option over Vista, and even Microsoft itself recently made it easier for partner PC-makers to roll machines back to Windows XP.

But, there's more bad news for the ailing operating system. DSG Internation, the company behind several large consumer electronics outlets in Europe (Dixon's, Curry's, and PC World among others) has been forced to severely discount Vista machines after lackluster sales. To add insult to injury, many mainstream manufacturers are now offering or preparing to offer the Linux operating system as an alternative to any flavor of Windows.

Microsoft's Service Pack 1 for Vista is now available in limited beta tests. This first system update is critical for Vista since, traditionally, most businesses wait for the the release of the first service pack before migrating to a new version of Windows. If user complaints are not addressed in this update, many consumers may choose to skip Vista altogether. Considering the fact that Microsoft just ended support for Windows 98 last May, it's possible people will remain with XP until something better comes along.

From Slashdot

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Oddball Easter Eggs on Vista DVDs

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jun 15th 2007 at 1:42PM

Peering at the hologram on his DVD of Windows Vista Business Edition with a microscope -- why, we don't know -- one Windows user discovered an entire nest of Easter eggs. Easter eggs, for those who don't know, are when developers or programmers hide jokes somewhere inside of games, DVDs and software -- often times unbeknownst to their bosses.

These Easter eggs are a series of minuscule photos that are invisible to the naked eye. Upon closer inspection, they're revealed to be works of art. There are also a few photos of people, who we're guessing are the parties responsible for the gag. On the official Windows Vista Blog -- yes, such a thing exists -- Microsoft claims the photos are an anti-piracy measure designed to make the discs harder to forge. We think it's more like Microsoft is only now learning of the photos and is playing the "We knew they were there the whole time" game.

Easter eggs in technology go back a long way, but were popularized by the Atari game, 'Adventure.' At the time of its 1978 release, game programmers weren't often given credit for their games -- especially at Atari -- so Warren Robinett hid his name in a room that was all but impossible to find, even if you were looking for it. Since then, Easter eggs have become commonplace.

Microsoft has a long history with Easter eggs, itself. For example, in Office 95, the inspirational tips of the day included such gems as, "You can hurt yourself if you run with scissors," and "You should never look directly at the sun." In Office 97, there's a hidden flight simulator game in Excel and a hidden pinball game in Word (see photo). Internet Explorer 4's developer credits contained the following:

"Disclaimer: No fluffy warm creatures were maimed, dismembered, tortured, deplumed, discarded, deflowered, dropped, twisted, wrungOut, extended, respliced, broken, humiliated, irradiated, browbeaten, pickled, deluded, duped, detained, mishandled, desiccated, bronzed, belittled, coddled, expelled, deported, imbibed, elected, marginalized, placated, misrepresented, overworked, underpaid, underappreciated, prepackaged, overly petted, genetically altered or cloned during the making of this product, except of course for Bunny and Bear."

For more fun Easter egg hunting, check out the following resources:

From Engadget

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MS Plugs Windows Security Holes

by Tim Stevens, posted Jun 13th 2007 at 2:32PM

Four critical fixes were released yesterday by Microsoft to address a series of serious security shortcomings in Windows XP, Internet Explorer and even its new hotness, Windows Vista. The software updates fix holes that could allow a malicious user to take control of your computer just by having you view one of their Web pages. The updates are freely available through Microsoft's Windows Update and we'd definitely advise you install them ASAP -- that is unless you like other people poking around your private data.

Oh, and for those who would hate on Microsoft for these constant updates, please note that Apple isn't doing much better with the Windows release of its Safari browser.

From USA Today

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Help for Moving Into a New Vista PC

by Terrence O'Brien, posted May 30th 2007 at 2:31PM

IOGEAR's new Smartlink cable makes migrating to a new Vista computer a snap (well, as much of a snap as Vista can possibly be). For $30, it cuts out the need for such middlemen as external hard drives or recordable DVDs -- no software or drivers needed.

Simply connect the cable between your old Windows machine and new Vista computer. The Smartlink uses Vista's built-in Easy Transfer feature to copy data and/or settings between the two. That's it.

Now if only getting your old peripherals to work with Vista was this easy.

From Uber Gizmo

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CinemaNow Comes to Windows Vista Media Center

Microsoft Finally Releases New Vista Ultimate Extras, Still "Ultimate" in Name Only

Microsoft Extends XP's Life Again -- For Low Cost PCs Only

Major Windows Vista Update Available Today

Microsoft Drops Windows Vista Prices

Class Action Lawsuit Against Microsoft for Windows Vista Marketing

Windows Vista Update Disables Anti-Virus Programs

Vista 'Most Disapointing Tech of 2007'

Next Version of Windows Detailed

Microsoft Caves to Consumer Pressure, Extends Windows XP's Lifespan

The Gateway One -- Is This The Sexiest Computer Ever?

Is it Time to Downgrade from Windows Vista?

Oddball Easter Eggs on Vista DVDs

MS Plugs Windows Security Holes

Help for Moving Into a New Vista PC

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