 VLC Player 0.8.4
VLC (initially VideoLAN Client) is a highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg, ...) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols. It can also be used as a server to stream in unicast or multicast in IPv4 or IPv6 on a high-bandwidth network.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:35 pm
News Source : Neowin
Download : VLC Player (Windows)
 TechSpot's Holiday Gift Guide 2005
The holidays are creeping up and most of us are probably in agreement; the only thing worse than giving a bad gift is receiving one. Well, to ensure your preferred geek is appropriately gifted with only the most fitting of gadgets, widgets and thingamabobs.
TechSpot's Holiday Gift Guide 2005 consists of a list of choices that any tech-head will appreciate, complete with stores, prices and little extra info to help your holiday shopping go smoothly. From the obligatory iPod, and gaming videocards, to sleek storage devices, and handheld PCs.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:35 pm
News Source : Techspot
AMD Set to Adopt New Interconnect Architecture, DDR3
The world?s second largest maker of x86 microprocessors, Advanced Micro Devices, disclosed plans to introduce enhanced multi-core processors that support built-in DDR3 memory controller as well as to present platform initiatives that allow more than 8 physical chips to be installed into a single system.
By 2008 AMD is set to introduce its so-called Direct Connect architecture 2.0 that would improve interconnection between processors and processing engines within a chip. The new interconnection architecture will allow more than 8 processors to be connected in a single coherent memory system without the need for additional logic devices. The company plans to offer the architecture that will allow to easily build up to 32-way systems.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:34 pm
News Source : Xbit Labs
Music biz to 'hijack' Europe's data retention laws
The entertainment industry is trying to commandeer the proposed European directive on data retention to help it prosecute filesharers in the European Union, it has emerged. The newly-formed Creative and Media Business Alliance (CMBA), an informal grouping (it says) of companies including Sony BMG, Disney, EMI, IFPI, MPA and Universal Music International, says it wants the data protection directive to be modified specifically so that it can be used to go after pirates.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:34 pm
News Source : The Reg
 New Web Mail: More Polished, Powerful
Microsoft and Yahoo are poised to make Web-based e-mail more powerful than ever with updates that bring a desktop-style interface to their respective Web mail offerings. We tested betas (currently invitation-only) of Windows Live Mail and Yahoo Mail, and also looked at an open-source newcomer called Zimbra. All three apps use an increasingly popular programming technique called Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) to improve on standard Web mail and even Google's Gmail.
As Ajax applications, the mail clients we tested can preload information and update their displays on the fly. So when you open up an e-mail message, you'll see it immediately, rather than having to wait for it to download. And when you delete a message, the application can update instantly, even though the delete request is still being processed in the background.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:33 pm
News Source : PCWorld
Firms Haggle Over Video On Demand
Everyone agrees video on demand over the Internet should be a goldmine for telecoms and media firms, but the two converging industries have yet to figure out how both can make money, a conference in France heard this week. Video on demand?the ability to download a movie or TV program via high-speed Internet?is expected to take off in Europe as broadband, already piped to 10.5 percent of households, attracts enough users to merit investing in the service.
But how quickly video-on-demand becomes available is uncertain, as telecoms operators and media companies haggle over how to slice up the revenue pie. They did not seem close to an agreement at a conference in Montpellier, southern France, this week. "We want to launch video on demand (in France) before the spring but it is difficult to agree on the business model," said Carlo D'Asaro Biondo, head of AOL France, which has about a 9 percent share of the French broadband market and is part of the Time Warner Inc. media group.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:33 pm
News Source : eWeek
New Vista Build Goes to Select Testers
The November Community Technology Preview (CTP) release of Windows Vista has made its way into the hands of some, but seemingly not many, testers. The build number is 5259. What's new? Windows Antispyware is now integrated in, as expected. Windows Media Player 11 is there. Instant Off seems to be working. And there are a number of user-interface changes, such as an "orb-shaped" start button and a new start-panel menu. ActiveWin.com has posted a bunch of Vista November CTP screen shots that are worth checking out. We're betting more testers will get access to the new build in the next few days.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 28, 2005, 12:25 pm
News Source : eWeek
XBOX 360 Plagued by Bugs and Crashes
Reports on Neowin?s forums and other news sites are suggesting that those lucky enough to grab an Xbox 360 this week may be in for a tough ride, with reports of games crashing and even some suggestions of overheating.
Microsoft is having a tough time this week. Earlier in the week parents and gamers were rushing out to buy the console, finding out that it is sold out, and left wondering whether there will be more made available before Christmas. Now they have faced reports of bugs in games. Microsoft has said a ?very, very small fraction? of console owners had called about this problem, which was in line with Microsoft predictions. They all said that anyone who sees this error should call the Xbox helpline. Ultimately, Microsoft has pledged to replace or fix any Xbox that has any errors.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:29 am
News Source : Neowin
 Xbox 360 scalpers clean up on eBay
Before the launch of Xbox 360, there was a widespread report that the launch-day will have shortages of shipments, they were correct.
Ever since the insanity of the 2000 PlayStation 2 launch and reports of online auctions for the desired system reaching into the thousands of dollars, new system launches have become a big event for entrepreneurial capitalists as much as gamers. While a fair number of clearly bogus or unrealistic listings are already up on eBay (one auction started at $100,000 with a Buy it Now price of $150,000 and asked $20 for shipping and handling), more legit auctions still reached pretty lofty heights.
Looking at an auction closed this morning showed a premium Xbox 360 being sold near $600-700, with just core systems going for $500. There were some aberrations; one auction for an Xbox 360 premium system on its own reached $1,750, while a core system auction reached as high as $790.
Clearly the demand for 360s is huge, so much so that even Microsoft's competition isn't immune to the hype surrounding the system launch. On Monday, one Sony executive who wished to remain anonymous paid $3,000 for a premium Xbox 360 system on eBay. The auction was for one of the first 10 Xbox 360 North American systems, originally given away at E3 as part of a contest sponsored by Mountain Dew. The exec's $3,000 Buy it Now bid netted him the system, a certificate of authenticity, a copy of Kameo: Elements of Power, a limited-edition E3 Xbox 360 faceplate, and perhaps many months of having to live down comments from his teasing co-workers.
However, as great as the demand is, the supply of systems on eBay is almost as staggering. There are thousands of listings for the unit on the auction site, many of which are going without bids due to high reserves or starting prices. But don't rush to mortgage the house just yet. As these machines fail to sell, as launch-day insanity becomes a fading memory, and as future shipments of the system reach retail, the prices are all but certain to come down.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:28 am
News Source : Gamespot
Microsoft's Red-Ink Game
Redmond will sell every Xbox console at a big loss, says researcher iSuppli. Not to worry, the profit is in the associated software
Microsoft's newest gaming console marks an improvement on the earlier version in some decisive ways. To name a few, the pricier Xbox 360 is sleeker and more powerful (see BW Online, 11/22/05, "Xbox: How It's Designed to Thrill"). And unlike its predecessor, the Xbox 360 is being released months ahead of the comparable next-generation console from Microsoft's chief gaming rival, Sony. But when it comes to profitability, the new machine won't change anything. Microsoft will carry on its tradition of taking a loss on the console, according to a preliminary analysis by market researcher iSuppli.
An up-close look at the components and other materials used in the high-end version of the Xbox 360, which contains a hard drive, found that the materials inside the unit cost Microsoft $470 before assembly. The console sells at retail for $399, meaning a loss of $71 per unit -- and that is just the start. Other items packaged with the console -- including the power supply, cables, and controllers -- add another $55 to Microsoft's cost, pushing the loss per unit to $126. These estimates include assumptions that Microsoft is getting a discount on many components.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:28 am
News Source : Business Week
Microsoft Confirms Launch Date for Xbox 360 in Australia
Antipodean gamers may benefit from the delay with increased stock availability
In the midst of an ambitious and unique tri-continent hardware launch, Microsoft has confirmed the pricing and dates for the arrival of its next generation Xbox 360 console in Australia. Despite being one of the most successful territories for Microsoft, Australia will not be receiving the next generation games console until March 2nd, 2006. However, given the early reports of a widespread lack of retail units in the US where the console first hit stores yesterday, it is likely that the delay will aid the Australian launch in terms of both hardware stocks and available software titles.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:27 am
News Source : GamesIndustry
50 Cent: Buy my Game for Kids
Rapper and game star says his M-rated game is OK for minors; thinks parents can use game as a teaching tool.
50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, is no stranger to parental warnings. The hip-hop star's albums come tagged with "Parental Advisory: Explicit Lyrics" stickers, as much of his musical material contains sexual elements, references to illegal drugs, and straight up thuggin'. Nevertheless, the rapper has sold millions upon millions of records, and is currently one of the music industry's biggest stars.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:27 am
News Source : Gamespot
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter Video
Ubi Soft has issued a new movie trailer for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, showing more of the squad-based tactical shooter sequel under construction at GRIN. This "Point of no return" trailer runs for two minutes to offer a cutscene and plenty of action-packed gameplay footage.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:26 am
News Source : 3D Gamers
Download : Video
45% of Mario Kart DS Buyers Play Online
Huge uptake for online play of Mario Kart reported as Wi-Fi Connection rolls out
Nintendo is claiming massive early success for its Wi-Fi Connection online play system for the Nintendo DS handheld, with the company's statistics suggesting that 45 per cent of Mario Kart DS owners have already tried the game online. Figures released by Nintendo of America for the first week of Mario Kart DS' release show that 52,000 unique users logged into the Wi-Fi Connection service with the game at least once - out of the 112,000 who purchased it.
That's over 45 per cent uptake, an incredible achievement for what is one of the world's first online handheld games, and an extremely strong start for Nintendo's online service - which works over home wireless networks, through public wireless "hot spots" or via Nintendo's own low-cost USB Wi-Fi device. Mario Kart DS launches here in the UK on Friday, along with the USB Wi-Fi device, which will be sold separately for GBP 29.99, and the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection public service - which will see 7,500 locations across the UK being set up to allow free DS online play, with more to follow in the coming months.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:25 am
News Source : GamesIndustry
CEO Leaves Infinium Labs
The company behind the controversial console, the Phantom has announced that CEO Kevin Bachus has left the company and CFO Greg Koler, the European boss has taken over.
He has joined the company in 2003 as president and COO and quickly replaced founder Tim Roberts as CEO. As a former Microsoft employee he brought a lot of industry knowledge to the company as many thought the console really was ?Phantom?.
Koler is not to be under-estimated though. He is the founder of Sony Computer Entertainment in Europe, but the likelihood of us seeing a console from Infinium Labs is very slim.
Infinium Labs director Richard Angelotti had this to say, "From the perspective of the US and international markets, Mr Koler's extensive corporate experience and practical knowledge of the games industry will be fundamental to our ability to successfully address the challenges we face at this pivotal juncture in our company's evolution. Greg is known and respected by his management peers for his insightful industry views and his clear, concise and candid industry operational commentary,"
Will we ever see the Phantom? Or will it be just that?
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:25 am
News Source : GamesIndustry
Two 360s taken in Virginia armed robbery
Virginia's Electronic Boutique store was the scene of an armed robbery this morning. The criminal made off with two Xbox 360 systems. The robbery was at gunpoint forcing the store manager to hand consoles over but the police responded quickly and immediately pursied the criminal. The theif was apprehended shortly afterward.
Because the police consider the heist an ongoing criminal investigation, store employees were reluctant to discuss details of the robbery. But as of press time, the store is open, and all systems are back to normal.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 25, 2005, 11:23 am
News Source : Gamespot
 Microsoft? Windows AntiSpyware (Beta)
Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Known spyware on your PC can be detected and removed. This helps reduce negative effects caused by spyware including slow PC performance, annoying pop-up ads, unwanted changes to Internet settings, and unauthorized use of your private information. Continuous protection improves Internet browsing safety by guarding over fifty (50) ways spyware can enter your PC.
Participants in the worldwide SpyNet? community play a key role in determining which suspicious programs are classified as spyware. Microsoft researchers quickly develop methods to counteract these threats, and updates are automatically downloaded to your PC so you stay up to date.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 23, 2005, 3:38 pm
News Source : Home Page
Download : Anti-Spyware Beta
Opera 8.51 for Desktop Released
Opera's latest release addresses the security issue in the Flash Player (Secunia Advisory 17437). Opera 8.51 for Windows ships with Macromedia Flash version 7r61.
The release is a recommended security upgrade for Linux/FreeBSD/Solaris users, because it updates Opera's wrapper script to not run commands included with URLs passed from other applications (as suggested in Secunia Advisory 16907).
Users of Mac OS X with Japanese systems will experience improved stability on pages with Java.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 23, 2005, 3:38 pm
News Source : Neowin
Download : Opera 8.51
 nVidia ForceWare 81.95 WHQL
ForceWare ensures the best out-of-box experience for every user and delivers continuous performance and feature updates over the life of NVIDIA GeForce GPUs. Includes full support for PCI Express and AGP.
Release Highlights:
* WHQL Certified
* Adds support for GeForce 7800 GTX 512 and GeForce 6800 GS
* Improved performance for Quake 4
* Improved performance and compatibility for Call of Duty 2
* Mixed vendor support for NVIDIA SLI.
* TV-Out/HD-out support for NVIDIA SLI.
* Added support for VSync on Direct3D games when running NVIDIA SLI.
* Performance enhancements for dual-core CPUs.
* PureVideo high definition MPEG-2 de-interlacing support.
* Usability enhancements when connecting to an HDTV.
* Microsoft? DirectX? 9.0c and OpenGL? 2.0 support
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 23, 2005, 3:37 pm
News Source : Neowin
Download : 81.95 XP
Youth?s Death Linked to Game
Blizzard faces a lawsuit from Chinese parents, who say World of Warcraft caused the death of their son.
November 18, 2005
In the latest saga over online gaming addiction in China, the parents of a 13-year-old Tianjin boy are suing the makers of World of Warcraft, blaming the game for the death of their son, according to the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
The parents filed a suit against Blizzard Entertainment on Wednesday, saying their son jumped to his death while reenacting a scene from the game, the report said. The parents are backed by the anti-Internet addiction advocate Zhang Chunliang.
Mr. Chunliang has spoken to 63 parents whose children have allegedly suffered from online gaming addiction and plans to file a class-action suit, according to the report.
News Posted by : DoDgEtHiS On
: November 21, 2005, 3:52 pm
News Source : Red Herring
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