Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Computing

The Netbook Conspiracy: Intel and Microsoft Collude to Keep Netbooks Crappy

11:50PM May 26, 2009 | Matt Buchanan

Remember those crappy specs that define a netbook in Microsoft’s eyes? Apparently, Intel is just as much to blame.

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Mobile

Why I Won’t Be Syncing Facebook with My Palm Pre

11:33PM May 26, 2009 | Mark Wilson

I’m looking forward to finally get my hands on the Palm Pre. But according to the PreCentral forums, the way it handles contacts may make the platform unusable.

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iPod Shuffle Scrumptified Through Bacon Bit Case

11:04PM May 26, 2009 | Mark Wilson

The Bacon iPhone Case was a feat of engineering, for sure. But what about those times that you don’t want to carry around 16GB of bacon in your pocket?

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Entertainment

In-Flight Entertainment Could Go Wireless, But You’ll Have to Bring Your Own Screen

10:42PM May 26, 2009 | John Herrman

Personal in-flight entertainment systems are getting pretty close to ubiquitous, at least on long-haul planes. According to the NYT, in-flight wi-fi will soon be just as common. Now airlines are wondering: why not just combine the two?

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Computing

NEC Kicks the Entire Netbook World Right in the Nuts…for $US1800

10:25PM May 26, 2009 | Mark Wilson

While we’ve been justifiably excited about the Eee Seashell, NEC has announced a product that’s nearly half the thickness and but 2/3 of the weight.

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Gaming

Tony Hawk Ride (Along With Its Skateboard Controller) to Cost $US120

9:56PM May 26, 2009 | Mark Wilson

According to Gamespot, Tony Hawk: RIDE will cost $US120 when it’s released this October. That puts the interesting be it gimmicky skateboard peripheral’s price at about $US60, unofficially. [Kotaku]

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Software

Vista Service Pack 2 Available for Download

9:34PM May 26, 2009 | John Herrman

Windows Vista SP2 is finally available for download, in all its apologetic, bug-fixing, compatibility-boosting glory. Windows Update should do the trick, but standalone downloads are hosted right here, and release notes are over here. [Neowin]

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Software

Microsoft’s New Search Engine Might Be Called ‘Bing’

9:09PM May 26, 2009 | John Herrman

Microsoft is planning to publicly unveil their new GOOGLE KILLER, codenamed “Kumo”, to the public at All Things D as early as today. We don’t know a whole lot about it, but word is they’re calling it “Bing”, as in the cherry, the Crosby or the sound of Microsoft’s planned $US100m planned advertising budget bouncing off of Google’s market share.

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Roomba Patent Solves Pesky Corner-Cleaning Problem With Simple Geometry

8:30PM May 26, 2009 | John Herrman

Roombas have evolved over the years into a fairlyimpressive product, except when it comes to corners. Apparently bothered by this, iRobot’s engineers have patented a Roomba with a corner specialty. The secret trick: it’s square.

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Zune Upgrade Plan Rumour Is Much Less Exciting Than It Sounds

6:56PM May 26, 2009 | John Herrman

Lately, wild rumours have dominated the Zune conversation. But what about the regular old player? The one that actually exists? Look! Someone’s talking about it: behold the utterly believable, utterly boring Zune Upgrade Plan, as reported and/or theorised by ZuneScene.

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