Latest Gear Live Videos
Microsoft Notebook Cooling Base
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, USB,
Microsoft has unveiled a Notebook Cooling Base with flip-up stand, a first for the company. Only 1.16-inches thick, it is curved so that it will fit on a desk or lap if adjusted 90º. The USB-powered fan has a built-in height adjustment, comes in black and white, and is lightweight and compact at a size of 11.4 x 11.4-inch. It should be out around November at a price of about $30.00.
Read More 
| Microsoft
Advertisement
Video: A look at 2019 through the eyes of Microsoft
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Handhelds, Microsoft, Videos, Wireless / WiFi,
The clip above was shown at the Wharton Business Technology Conference. It’s called 2019, and it’s Microsoft‘s vision for what the year 2019 will look like as it pertains to technology and how it will be completely integrated into our lifestyle. While 2019 looks like a far away number, this is just 10 years away, people. Do we think things will look like this by then? No, not so much…but we will be well on our way. Check out the two-minute version above, and if it strikes your fancy, click on through to watch the five-minute version. It makes me cry with glee.
Read More | istartedsomething
Poll: How is your Xbox 360 connected to your network?
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, USB, Features, Internet, Video Games, Wireless / WiFi,
Time to bring back the Gear Live poll, because we’re wondering what method most Xbox 360 users are employing when they connect their consoles to their home networks. We’re talking about you. Did you spend the extra benjamin on one of the Wireless Networking Adapters? Do you run a long-ass cable from your router to the 360 to avoid latency (or cost of said adapter)? Something else?
Hit up the poll and let us know, and feel free to use the comments to give us a more thorough response!
Woman Sues Microsoft For Windows Downgrade Charge
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft,
Emma Alvarado, from Los Angeles, Ca., was so teed off at Microsoft that she filed a class action lawsuit to recover the $59.25 fee that they charged her for downgrading her Windows Vista to XP. The suit says that the company charge is in violation of Washington State’s Unfair Business Practices Act and Consumer Protection Act. Emma is hoping that others who have payed the fee will join in. Microsoft is also involved in another suit that says that the sticker “Windows Vista Capable” is misleading.
Read More | PC World
Microsoft Offers $250,000 to Find Virus Source
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Internet, Microsoft, PC / Laptop,
Use your computer skills and earn enough to retire. Microsoft is offering $250,000 to find the person behind the Downadup/Conficker virus. Released in October, millions of Windows computers have been affected. The Conficker worm can infect computers or hide in USB flash drives. Downadup, as we previously told you to watch out for, can turn your PC into a botnet. The reward has been offered because the company views the virus as a criminal attack, so go out there and catch the bad guys.
Read More | BBC
Downadup Virus Hits Millions
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,
The virus Downadup, which originated in October by the name Conficker, has apparently attacked more than 3.5 million computers in less than 24 hours. The hackers have used phony Barack Obama websites to do the damage. The network of worms becomes a part of Windows services.exe then establishes an HTTP server from the computer. Make sure you have an updated anti-virus software program and check with Microsoft for patches to ensure your computer’s safety.
Read More | Gadgetell
Windows 7 direct download links
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: CES, CES 2009, Internet, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software,
As we told you the other day, the Windows 7 beta went live today. However, apparently there was a bit more demand than Microsoft had planned for. Thanks to NeoWin, we’ve got the direct download links for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7:
Be sure to check out the post on NeoWin for specifics on what to do with those files once you download, and also know that you will still need a key from Microsoft to use this through the August 1, 2009 expiration date, otherwise it will stop working after 30 days, cool?
Halo Wars launches on March 3, demo on February 5 [CORRECTION]
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Microsoft, Release Dates, Strategy, Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace,
During the CES 2009 keynote, Microsoft announced that the release date for Halo Wars has been moved up, from March 3rd up to February 28th. In case you’re clueless about what that is, it’s the RTS Halo prequel. Should be fun, despite not being a shooter. Of course, you may want to try it out before committing to purchase, and you’ll be able to do just that when the demo hits the Xbox Live Marketplace on February 5th. That’ll hold you over until Halo 3: ODST launches, right?
UPDATE: We were just contacted by Xbox PR, and were notified that there was some “confusion” during the keynote, and that Halo Wars is actually still slated for release on March 3 in North America. Oh well.
Video: Microsoft Songsmith first look
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: CES, CES 2009, Microsoft, Music, PC / Laptop, Software, Videos,
Our pal Robert Scoble was able to get an early look at the new Microsoft Songsmith software, and we were impressed enough that we wanted to give you guys a look at the video. Songsmith allows you to make music, that you sing to, by generating musical accompaniment to match a singer’s voice. You sing into your mic, and the software creates the backing music for you to make you sound good. It’s not just for novices either, as you can play instruments into Somgsmith for capturing, and it includes an intelligent scratchpad to allow it to work with new melodies. Kind of hard to explain, so really, check out the video. You can download a free trial at the Songsmith page as well.
Read More | Songsmith
Windows 7 beta goes public January 9th
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: CES, CES 2009, Corporate News, Microsoft, Software,
During the kickoff Microsoft keynote that marks the start CES, Steve Ballmer announced that Windows 7 beta is available starting today for TechNet and MSDN subscribers. Nothing too exciting there for the average Joe, we know, which is why we were excited when he also mentioned that the beta would also be publicly available beginning this Friday, January 9th. You’ll be able to grab either the 32-bit version, or the 64-bit version of the Windows 7 beta software if you are one of the first 2.5 million people to hit the download button. You just need to head to the Windows 7 product page to do so. Just be aware that the beta software will expire on August 1, 2009.
As part of the release, Microsoft was also happy to note that Windows Live Essentials, “a free suite of communications and sharing applications that make it easy for people to communicate, share and keep their online lives in sync and in one place with one login,” is now also available on a worldwide scale.
