OnLive Desktop goes legal

Published on April 10, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , , , .

ol_desktop_logoAccording to reports coming in from Ars Technica, OnLive, the company well known for its streaming game service has finally made their virtualized desktop solution for both the iPad and Android Tablets.

The report goes on to suggest that the manner of which OnLive was distributing the service was illegitimate according to Microsoft’s Licensing Schemes setup for Windows 7 which prevent the use of Virtualization of both Office and Windows 7. However, if Windows Server 2008 R2 was virtualized, those rules, theoretically would not apply, as Windows Server’s licensing scheme allows such servicing to occur.

It is unclear however how the pricing will change, because the company currently provides a paid version at only $5 for both web access as well as Office 2010 (which is also included in the free version).

Microsoft has commented on the matter stating that it is working with OnLive to ensure that the desktop-as-a-service solution is legitimate, OnLive has decline to comment on its licensing practices.

Reminder: Marketplace for Mobile (Windows Mobile 6.x) shuts down May 9th

Published on April 9, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , , .

Microsoft sent out an email today detailing some already known news about the Marketplace for Mobile service for Windows Mobile 6.x devices. The company notes that after May 9th, 2012 it will no longer be available to customers.

The move had already been anticipated because it currently already has a similar offering for Windows Phone users through Zune Marketplace. The service provides much of the same functionality as Marketplace for Mobile, but is not offered to Windows Mobile 6.x customers.

The company strongly advises that you make a backup of your applications, as they will not be available for re-download after this date. Applications purchased from the service will continue to function, should the application be updated, you would have to download directly from the developer.

Google to Developers: Use Wallet or Get Out

Published on March 12, 2012 in Gadgets. Closed Tags: , .

While it wouldn’t be the first time Google has forced Developers to use their solutions, this, by far is on the extreme side of things.

According to a report from Reuters, the company is pushing it’s Payment System over the likes of PayPal and many others so that it can be more like Apple, and get more out of the costs of the applications provided within Google Play.

The company has apparently warned developers that if they do not switch to Google Wallet, that their applications would be removed.

In response to this, Developers say that the search giant is trying to simplify the process of purchasing content within Google Play, which, right now is somewhat confusing to those who don’t dig around.

While this move isn’t as bad as it seems, it could push some developers over to iOS, if they haven’t done so already. If Google wants to play it right, they would give developers a chance to work with it, instead of threatening to remove their app.

Google Play is the new Android Market

Published on March 7, 2012 in Gadgets. Closed Tags: , .

play_logoIf you remember a while back, the name Google Play was a reference to a 7-inch tablet that Google was supposedly working on, but now we’ve received word from Google that it is the new name for Android Market (and its associated service).

Google Play is the umbrella for Books, Music, Movies and Apps, and is rolling out now. If you have an Android smartphone or tablet, you should be receiving an update here very soon.

As far as we can tell, not much has changed, other then the branding, but as we begin to dig deeper, we’ll be posting more.

They also posted an interesting, and awkward video explaining the new service, you can see that below.

You can find out more by going to play.google.com

Microsoft to ditch Zune + Windows Live in Windows 8

Published on February 27, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , , , .

1_1537.win8logo_01_008485ddfeb17A new report coming in from The Verge suggests that Microsoft is planning on removing the branding for both its services, and applications.

In the report, it is noted that Zune and Windows Live will no longer be expressed as such, but in a more traditional Windows Phone approach for accessing content, and services provided by the Redmond based company.

  • Microsoft Account (formally Windows Live ID)
  • Mail (formally Windows Live Mail)
  • Calendar (formally Windows Live Calendar)
  • People (formally Windows Live Contacts)
  • Music (formally Zune Music Player)
  • Videos (formally Zune Video Player)

What do you think? Is this what Microsoft needs to shape a new future, or is it just a temporary thing? Share with us your thoughts on the subjects in the comments below, or on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook!

Apple announces OS X “Mountain Lion”

Published on February 16, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , , .

Apple-logoIt’s that time again, time for Apple to move on to the next best thing when it comes to its desktop Operating System.

Apple today announced in a press release the next release of OS X, some of the things the Cupertino based company announced aren’t really game-changing features, but one of the biggest changes is the removal of the term "Mac" from "OS X".

So what is the next release, and why does it matter to you?

OS X "Mountain Lion" (the upgrade from Lion) brings changes both to the front-end as well as the back end, of those features, the company mentioned the following:

    • Messaging: Like iOS, OS X will have a messaging client, to replace the ever aging iChat shown off in early versions of OS X.
    • Notes and Reminders: Building upon Notifications built into iOS 5, OS X will now have its own notification management instead of using the likes of Growl and others.
    • GameCenter: Play games with friends, share your scores all in one place, another iOS port.
    • AirPlay Mirroring: A feature first introduced in the iPad, with AirPlay Mirroring, you can share your screen wirelessly instead of using cables to connect to a TV or Monitor
    • Gatekeeper: Control what applications you use with Gatekeeper, and deny applications you don’t want or need.
    • Twitter Integration
    • iCloud: Store your documents, pictures, music and other content on your Mac in the cloud

    OS X Mountain Lion will be available sometime later this summer, you can snag a copy if you’re a Mac Developer right now.

    Short: Sony Ericsson now Sony Mobile Communications

    Published on February 16, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , .

    In what has seemed to have been forever since Sony took a 50% stake in Ericsson has now come to an end.

    In a press release from the Japanese company, today announced that the merger is complete, and that Sony Ericsson would now become Sony Mobile Communications.

    The Verge and Engadget both note that the transaction is an estimated $1.47 billion and will be headed off by Kazuo Harai as CEO.

    Google + Motorola acquisition gets U.S. Blessing

    Published on February 14, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , , .

    android-logo-whiteJust a few hours after the European Union gave the green light for the Google and Motorola Mobility merger, the United States also gave the go ahead.

    Word comes in from the folks over at Android Central that the acquisition is in fact a go, stating that there is no reason why it should not, considering both Microsoft and RIM do not have the market share to become a threat to Google.

    In the statement from the DoJ, they note;

    With respect to RIM’s and Microsoft’s acquisition of Nortel patents, their low market shares in mobile platforms would likely make a strategy to harm rivals either through injunctions or supracompetitive royalties based on the acquired Nortel SEPs unprofitable. Because of their low market shares, they are unlikely to attract a sufficient number of new customers to their mobile platforms to compensate for the lost patent royalty revenues. Moreover, Microsoft has cross-license agreements in place with the majority of its Android-based OEM competitors, making such a strategy even less plausible for it.

    Now all we have to wait for is China, once that goes through, what’s next for the two companies remains to be seen.

    Google + Motorola acquisition: One step closer

    Published on February 13, 2012 in General. Closed Tags: , , .

    android-logo-whiteWith the European Union approving the acquisition of Motorola Mobility by search giant Google, it’s just one step closer to finalization.

    In a statement made by Joaquin Almunia, EU Competitive Commissioner notes,

    "We have approved the acquisition… because upon careful examination, this transaction does not itself raise competition issues,"

    This is a big win for Google, now they just have to get past the U.S. and then the deal can be finalized.

    You might remember a few months ago Google announced its plans to acquire the mobile division of Motorola, keeping the name and all the patents for it’s Android portfolio. There were a lot of questions raised whether this meant that the company was going to give special treatment to Motorola or not, which yet remains to be seen.

    The acquisition is estimated to be $12.5 billion.

    AT&T to double upgrade fee on February 12

    Published on February 11, 2012 in Gadgets and General. Closed Tags: .

    att-offers-internet-at-home-and-on-the-go-mini-laptops-and-onsite-tech-support-from-retail-storesAccording to some information that came in from The Verge, telecommunications company AT&T is planning to up the upgrade fee fron $18 to $36.

    In the document sent out to company stores and local retail stores, costs associated with upgrading the device is the primary reason for the raise in fees.

    Keep in mind, these changes don’t take effect until Sunday, February 12, 2012, so if you upgrade before then you don’t have to pay for the $36 fee.

    This isn’t the first time the telecommunications company has raised prices on their services, not too long ago the company changed its data plan structure and dropped the $10 messaging plan, not to mention numerous other changes over the past 2 years.

    While the changes shouldn’t really make a difference to most customers, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if a customer decides not to upgrade because of the fee changes. It isn’t a steep one, but for some that could mean the difference between wanting that next best phone, and finding a new carrier.