Verizon’s Family Share Plans

I have recently noticed Verizon running a lot of new ads on Hulu showing a new data share plan allowing up to ten devices to be share a single data access plan. After reading Marguerite Reardon’s July 6 article “Is Verizon ‘shaking down’ customers with family plan?” I could begin to see some of the problems associated with changing to this service. If you are a current unlimited data plan customer now think about the fact that by adding more people to a shared, fixed size data plan might cause a problem with data overage charges for you little group of people. You need to look carefully at how everyone is using their devices and how much of the device usage is through the cellular network vs. your local WiFi access. Personally, I am well under any the plans because I don’t do any streaming unless I am on a WiFi network. I am very careful about that. But are the people in your plan that responsible? You might get stuck with a large bill one month because someone on your plan decided to watch the entire episode list of Buffy the Vampire Slayer while at the beach. If this isn’t  a worry then maybe you will want to consider this new plan type but remember this is Verizon’s way to charge you for your usage of their data network just like a utility company charges you for the use of electricity, gas or water. While I don’t think the concept is especially a bad thing it will directly impact your pocketbook.

Related stories

• Verizon unveils 'Share Everything' family plans for data
• Confused about Verizon's Family Share plans? You're not alone
• Why Verizon's shared data plan is a raw deal

DNSChanger-Don’t forget to check you system before Monday

CNET’s Topher Kessler has a great article he posted today called

“How to detect and fix a machine infected with DNSChanger”.

Take a little time to look at this and double check your machine for this malware scam. On Monday, July 9th, the FBI will close down a network of DNS servers that have been helping people with infected machines to access the Internet. When they do this, any system depending on these servers will lose access to the Internet. So take the time to double check you machine. Take a look at the article listed above to see how to do this. Good Luck and happy surfing!

Do you need to lock down your tablet

Kensington has a whole series of different cases that will secure your iPad to a location. Ranging in price from $49.99 to $129.99, these cases come in different colors and form factors that should fit most any situation that you might need to resolve.

Google’s Nexus 7

Well, I have finally bit the bullet and have placed my order in for the new Nexus 7 tablet. I am really looking forward to its arrival. As you probably have noticed I have been a staunch IOS device user since the iPad was released but I have been thinking about android based tablets for awhile. With all the reports I have seen and the specs of the unit I decided to get my hands on one to try it out. I’ll obviously report more on this once I have it in my hands. I think with the introduction of Android 4.1 “Jelly Bean” the Android experience will be a much happier one for me. The only drawback with the Nexus 7 that I see is that it doesn’t have an SD slot for adding more memory. It would have been nice to have that as well but I’ll have to live with storing my stuff in the cloud instead.

With the addition of this new device in my toy box I am going to have to begin entertaining the thought of getting a mobile WiFi device that I can share with all of my devices. I just wish that the data plans weren’t so darn expensive. To help supplement this I will probably discontinue my iPad data subscription and just use the mobile hotspot to get by in areas where I don’t have WiFi access.

Microsoft News…

This has been a busy couple of weeks for Microsoft with the introduction of the Surface RT and Surface Pro tablets. StatCounter has stated that Windows 7 has garnered more than half of the worldwide operating system market. Windows 7 is officially more popular than Windows XP by their count.Net Applications claims that Windows XP still holds 43.61-percent of the OS market, with their data showing that XP edges out Windows 7 ever so slightly, with Windows 7 sitting at 41.59-percent. Who ever you wish to believe we are seeing the acceptance of Windows 7 as a primary Windows Platform.

So what about Window 8? Microsoft is hoping that you will take advantage of their upgrade pricing they have announced. There are two options available for you to choose from. If you purchase a new Windows 7 computer between June 1st and the end of the year you can get a Windows 8 pro upgrade for about $15. That’s a pretty good deal. They have also announced that you can get Windows 8 and Media Center for download for anyone that is running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 for $39.99 or if you want your own media it will cost you $69.99. This upgrade will run through January 31, 2013.

Windows 8 Pro upgrade settings, files, apps migration details:

• From consumer Windows 7: Can bring everything, which includes Windows settings, personal files, and apps.
• From Windows Vista: Can bring Windows settings and personal files.
• From Windows XP: Can only bring along personal files.

"You will be able to create your own bootable USB or .ISO file, which can be burned onto a DVD for upgrade and backup purposes. If you prefer, you also have the option of purchasing a backup DVD for $15 plus shipping and handling," Microsoft said.

Be careful of what you post to the Internet

Judge rules that public Twitter posts can be used against you in court and accessed without a search warrant. This ruling is sure to have far-reaching consequences for how online speech is treated under law. So, what you say publicly online, via a Facebook update, Tweet or other posting services can be accessed and used against you in court without the need for a search warrant.

"The Constitution gives you the right to post, but as numerous people have learned, there are still consequences for your public posts," wrote Sciarrino in his ruling. "What you give to the public belongs to the public. What you keep to yourself belongs only to you."

For most of you, this won't ever be of any concern, at least not in and of itself. However, if you are ever arrested or involved in a legal matter, or your Tweets or Facebook updates ever become of interest to the courts, this ruling means that law enforcement can gain access to them without a search warrant, even if you have deleted them.

Cisco stumbles with its Cisco Connect Cloud

Owners of E2700, E3500 and E4500 models recently discovered that their router login credentials stopped working following an automatic firmware update, and instead they were asked to sign up to the new Cisco Connect Cloud platform to regain access. If they sought to avoid this by rebooting the router, they reportedly lost control over their advanced settings.

To make matters worse, the Connect Cloud service came with a supplemental privacy policy that explicitly allowed Cisco to peek at a user's "internet history," "traffic" and "other related information." If Cisco discovered you had used your router for "pornographic or offensive purposes" or to violate "intellectual property rights," it reserved the right to shut down your cloud account and effectively cut you off from your router. Cisco has deleted this offending paragraph but the initial intent of it is disturbing.

The new Cisco Connect Cloud app helps either manage the router itself (think parental controls) or tap into other devices around the home, including AirPlay sharing and remote camera monitoring. There's even a new SimpleTap hardware integration platform that will pair third-party WiFi gear.

While all of this on the surface sounds great, I can’t help but wonder if this is just another one of those services that doesn’t take off. There is a lot of promise but if they don’t get other vendors onboard it isn’t going to go anywhere.

For more information on this service go to Cisco Cloud Connect.

Changes to Dropbox Public Folder

One of the most important things that I use the Dropbox app for is the ability for me to easily share larger files with people by including a link to that file and e-mailing the link in an email I send to clients or friends. I was looking at CNET's tutorial on how to use the link function in Dropbox and I don't quite understand the difference between old and new versions exactly. As far as I can see, there hasn't been any change in the way it works.

When I'm using my PC, and I am in the Dropbox public folder, all I need to do is right mouse click on the file that I want to share the link of, pick copy the link and then go to my e-mail application and paste the link into the body of my e-mail. It is that simple.

When using Dropbox on my iPad I highlight the file that I'm interested in sending to someone and I pick the link button and choose e-mail link.

The primary difference seems to be that you don't have to only do this from a shared folder or a public folder anymore. You can do link a file from any folder so now there is no need for a separate or dedicated public folder anymore. This is probably why any new Dropbox accounts when they are created after July 31st will no longer automatically create a public folder for the account.

The biggest problem that is going to arise from this change is for software partners that utilize the Dropbox account and the public folder share function will have to rewrite their current code to use the share function which is now part of Dropbox API.

However in the long run, I think this is a positive step forward, and we will all benefit from the simplification that this gives us for sharing files which for some of us is the primary reason we use Dropbox .

Microsoft Surface–Is it right for you…

Apple has mad a good case showing that if you control both the software and the hardware design you should come up with a pretty good product. Apple has sold over 55 million units to date and the number seems to be growing rapidly. This is no small reason there are so many manufacturers designing units for both the Android market and now with the release of Windows 8 looming soon we should see a large number of tablets designed to take advantage of us diehard Microsoft Windows users.

Microsoft has relied in the past on its manufacturing partners to come up with innovative designs for their operating systems to run on. With the introduction of Microsoft’s Surface products will this hurt its relationship or will this be the push for these manufacturers to produce something really innovative and exceed what Microsoft is setting up as their tablet’s standard. I truly believe we are going to see some interesting product over the next 6 months.

The entry level or light version of the Windows 8 Tablet line, Will launch at the same time that Windows 8 is released. It will be running Windows RT and will be based on ARM CPU technology at its core. It will only be running the Metro portion of Windows 8 and is Microsoft’s direct competition with the iPad. It should be priced in the $500 range. The Surface Pro will have Intel’s Ivy Bridge technology, have better peripheral support and a larger battery. The RT version’s screen resolution will run at least 1,280x720 pixels (720p HD), while the Surface Pro will boast at least 1,920x1,080 pixels (1080p). The iPad screen sports a 4:3 aspect ration but the surface has a larger 10.6 inch screen in a 16:10 ration. This makes the Surface a better playback product for movies and other video that are made in this format. You get to lose the letterbox affect that you have on the iPad.

The Surface is also built around providing a better data input experience. With its specially designed keyboard-cover cases, you have a much better typing experience for email and letter writing. With a track pad you have both the touch screen and fingertip control that a notebook user is use to when composing their writings. This gives you a much more effective experience when using the tablet in a work environment. As a business primarily user, this really appeals to me.

Apple’s lack of interest in integrating a stylus for their product has opened a large add-on market for the iPad. The biggest drawback on the iPad is that the software developers have to build touch blocking technology into their programs to make the use of a stylus a better experience. In Windows 8 and the Surface that Microsoft calls palm block technology. Windows uses two digitizers: one for touch and another for digital ink. As long as the Stylus is in close proximity to the tablet screen, Windows will shut off the touch sensor, so that your hand doesn't accidentally swipe the screen while you're trying to write or draw. Once you're done, the Stylus can then adhere to the side of the tablet, magnetically. So what you get is a built-in at both operating system and a hardware level technology that makes the use of a stylus a much better experience.

Here's a rundown of the official specs as we know them:

Surface (Windows RT) tablet key specs

• Windows RT operating system
• Nvidia ARM CPU
• 9.3mm thick
• 676 grams/23.85 ounces
• 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• 31.5 watt hour battery
• Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro-HD video, 2x2 MIMO antennas
• Storage options: 32GB and 64GB for Windows RT
• Front- and rear-facing "HD" cameras

Surface (Windows Pro) tablet key specs

• Windows 8 operating system
• Intel third-generation Core i CPU
• 13.5mm thick
• 903 grams/31.85 ounces
• 10.6-inch ClearType "Full HD" Display
• 42 watt hour battery
• Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort video
• Storage options: 64GB and 128GB
• Front- and rear-facing "HD" cameras

When you look at the Surface you get the feeling that a great deal of attention went into the design of these tablets. They are solid, light and feel substantial. There is the right mixture of connectivity without overloading the system. Small design additions like the line cut around the outside of the unit to allow 360 degree cooling of the components, the Kickstand, and the magnetic lock of the keyboard covers add to the completeness of the product. If the Microsoft’s App Store begins to build on available applications for its Metro design and with the pro version being able to support general Windows 7 compatible programs I know that for those of us that need to be in the Microsoft Windows world and want a tablet experience this will be a much desired product. The next six months will be exciting for the Windows World.

Lenovo to offer No-Contract Mobile Broadband Service

Press Release: Lenovo today introduced Lenovo Mobile Access, a flexible, no-contract mobile broadband service that gives consumers and business users greater choice and flexibility when connecting to valued online services. Lenovo Mobile Access provides pre-connected, always-on, customizable connectivity to the Internet and corporate networks, making it an ideal solution for users who need access to online content, applications and services away from their home, office or public Wi-Fi hotspots. Powered by a scalable cloud-based platform from Macheen Inc., the service is now embedded across select models of the ThinkPad product line and available immediately in the United States and nine European countries.

Designed to fit the needs of both individual and “prosumer” customers, Lenovo Mobile Access delivers broadband connectivity that’s available anytime, anywhere yet users pay only for the access they need. Flexible, no-contract payment options let casual users buy a “Time Pass” for as little as USD 1.95 for 30 minutes or USD 8.95 for one day—perfect to quickly sync email or ensure online access during travel. Users with more frequent connectivity requirements, or who work with large media files can purchase monthly plans with 2GB or 6GB of data access, along with the option for automatic monthly renewal. Businesses can leverage the same pay-as-you-go options, helping them reduce the cost of mobile broadband connectivity with right-sized access that can be extended to large numbers of individual employees.

Business customers can also take advantage of intelligent features designed to streamline device management, increase security and productivity for mobile employees, and reduce operational expenses. All ThinkPad laptops with embedded mobile broadband connectivity ship with Lenovo Mobile Access pre-activated as the default configuration. A single SIM is used for global access, enabling mass roll-out capabilities over a secure connection. Web-based policy management tools let IT administrators customize permissions and access options by services or application, for the whole company, specific workgroups, or individual users. Simple payment options allow centralized, single-payer end-of-month billing for corporate arrangements.

Pricing and Availability
Lenovo Mobile Access is available immediately in select models of ThinkPad Classic and ThinkPad Edge laptops equipped with a 3G module. At launch, the service is available in the United States, UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Contract-free time passes are available in the following increments and data allotments: 30 minutes (30 MB), 1 day (200 MB), 1 month (2 GB) and 1 month (6 GB). Auto-renewable, bandwidth-specific monthly plans are also available for data allotments of 200 MB, 2 GB and 6 GB. Country-specific pricing information is available on the Lenovo Mobile Access control panel.

The service will formally launch on July 1st, but the manufacturer is already shipping out laptops equipped with the required internal hardware to facilitate the mobile broadband option — which does not require a dongle.

The FLAME Virus

Wikipedia Entry

Nasty piece of malware that is reported being used at targeted Middle Eastern Countries. It can be spread over LAN links or USB drive. It has the ability to record audio, screenshots, keyboard activity and network traffic. The program records Skype conversations and can turn an infected computer with Bluetooth into a collector of contact information from other Bluetooth enabled devices. The information is sent to one of several receiving servers and the program waits for further instructions from those servers.

According to estimates by Kaspersky in May 2012, Flame had infected approximately 1,000 machines, with victims including governmental organizations, educational institutions and private individuals. At that time the countries most affected were Iran, Israel, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with a "huge majority of targets" within Iran. Flame has also been reported in Europe and North America.[ Flame supports a "kill" command which wipes all traces of the malware from the computer. Flame stopped operating after its public exposure, and the "kill" command was sent.

Sounds like the making of a movie thriller. Reportedly linked to the Stuxnet malware program, this product’s origins are unknown. Because of what it does and its complexity some nation-state is likely behind it.

Security firms have not been warning of any direct risk to average Internet users. Sophos' Graham Cluley noted that Flame has only been discovered in a few hundred computers. “Certainly, it's pretty insignificant when you compare it to the 600,000 Mac computers which were infected by the Flashback malware earlier this year,” Cluley wrote in a blog post.

So should you worry about infection from this virus on your computer? Probably not. It has been primarily directed towards government systems. Microsoft has issued a fix for this and most security companies have included a fix for it as well. Keep your Microsoft patches up to date and of course your virus/malware definition tables and you should be fine.

Step aside AirPlay here comes SmartGlass

In a step to open up the Xbox 360’s interactivity with mobile devices, Microsoft showed off what they believe will be a great competitor to Apple’s AirPlay called SmartGlass at E3 yesterday. The new cross-platform functionality will come to Apple's iOS, as well as Google Android and Microsoft Windows Phone and Windows 8, later this year.

Microsoft showed off how content being played on the Xbox 360 could be complemented by additional content on a tablet like an iPad. In one demonstration, a user watching "Game of Thrones" on the HBO Go application had the show streaming to their HDTV, while an interactive map of the fictional world was displayed on a tablet and was updated in real-time, synced with the program.

Also expect browser integration on the Xbox 360 that you can control with your smartphone or tablet device. Other than being able to share the results I don’t know why you just wouldn’t do it on you personal mobile device. Game play was another function they showed off using Madden’s NFL. In this case they demonstrated the ability to use a tablet to select plays and draw up new ones that could them be displayed through the Xbox 360.

I haven’t purchased an AppleTV yet and I have been holding off doing so. Microsoft’s Xbox SmartGlass should be able to be used for this function as well. They will probably need to develop an application to do this but I don’t think that there will be a native AirPlay integration in the Xbox but that would be nice. Microsoft stated that they will bring the same ability on Android device as well as Windows Phone and Windows 8.

For those of us that already have an Xbox 360 in their media setup this is something to be anticipated. SmartGlass is Microsoft’s new interface platform that will hopefully allow programmers to open up your stationary media center with the Xbox at the center to all of your mobile devices.

Windows 8 Upgrade just $14.99

If you are in the market right now for a PC, you can be eligible for a very inexpensive upgrade to Windows 8 once it is released. This is a great deal and one which I would suggest you keep in mind.

See if you may be eligible for this offer….

Eligibility Details

The offer is for customers (e.g. Home users, students, and enthusiasts) who purchase a qualified PC. A qualified PC is a new PC purchased during the promotional period with a valid Windows 7 OEM Certificate of Authenticity and product key for, and preinstalled with:

• Windows 7 Home Basic;
• Windows 7 Home Premium;
• Windows 7 Professional; or
• Windows 7 Ultimate.

The promotional price is limited to one upgrade offer per PC purchased, and a maximum limit of five upgrade offers per customer.

Key dates

You must purchase a qualified Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 to be eligible for this offer. The last day to register and order your Windows 8 upgrade is February 28, 2013.

Offer Redemption

• Eligible customers must register for the Windows Upgrade Offer through this website by February 28, 2013.
• After customer registration and Microsoft validation, customers will receive a registration confirmation email.
• Upon the General Availability (GA) and release of Windows 8, customers will receive an email with a promotion code and instructions for purchasing and downloading the software. The promotion code will be redeemed during the upgrade ordering process to receive the promotional price.
• Customers will be able to purchase a downloadable version of Windows 8 Pro. An optional installation DVD is available for an additional fee, plus shipping and any applicable taxes or duties. Customers can also choose to create their own installation media on DVD or USB media after downloading Windows 8.

This offer requires internet connectivity for registering and ordering. Note: telephone or other access charges may apply.

Upgrade Software

Each upgrade license will apply to only one PC and may only be installed on PCs with a valid base license to a qualifying operating system (i.e., Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista or Windows 7).

While the offer will be limited to eligible customers who purchase a qualified PC, the upgrade may be installed on any compatible Windows-based PC with a qualifying operating system. Visit http://windows.com for information about Windows 8 minimum requirements. Customers should visit their PC manufacturer’s website for more information about how to upgrade their PC to Windows 8, including updated software and drivers.

Microsoft Support

The purchase of Windows 8 includes 90-days of no-charge support from Microsoft. The 90-day period begins when Windows 8 installation and activation is complete (Telephone or other access charges may apply).

Where to register

What information will I need to provide in order to be considered eligible for the Windows Upgrade Offer?

You should expect to provide information such as:

• Name
• Contact Details
• Email address
• Phone Number
• PC purchase details
• PC make / model
• Purchase date
• Retailer / PC Manufacturer

Additional information may be requested to enable your registration to be validated, including the Windows 7 product key for your qualified PC.

Windows 8 Excitement at Computex 2012

ASUS, Acer and others are showing off some of the products that we should be expecting this year coming with Windows8 and Windows8 RT. There were several interesting products posted on Engadget that look very interesting like the Acer 7600U with a 27 inch screen that has a 64-point capacitive multi-touch tilt and swivel screen. You can view it in either landscape or portrait modes or upright or down in a table display mode. While watching the video demonstration of the product they seemed to have to move at a rather slow and careful rate of speed. It looked like they were afraid it was going to fall over as they were moving it. They were also discussing a 23 inch version of this as well but didn’t go into detail of whether it had the same display functions.

Acer also was showing some Windows 8 Tablet the ICONIA W510 with three different modes of touchscreen operation. A detachable keyboard dock can be connected to add easy typing functions as well as extending the battery life up to 18 hours. When attached to the keyboard you can rotate the screen 295 degrees to position it in a presentation mode which is great for viewing video or PowerPoint presentations.

Asus’s TAICHI convertible notebook/tablet sports a dual 11.6 inch screen. The screens can be run independently and can allow you to present while still doing things on the screen pointing at you. When closed you can use the top screen as you would a tablet. This is also running Window 8 and comes with the new Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7 processor, 4 gigs of RAM, SSD storage, dual-band 802.11n WiFi, FHD/Super IPS+ displays and dual cameras. The screens support 1920 x 1280 resolution on both screens. See Engadget’s video of this interesting product.

iPhoto: Do I need another Photo Edit Program?

Yesterday I had a client request come to my attention to be able to take client images that his business acquires and wanted a controlled method for showing those images to his clients. He had is image taking system on an XP machine and he had an iPad that he wanted to use to display the images side by side to his clients. He also wanted to be able to label them so that it would be to see which image was which. Sort of a Before and After shot.

It took me a little while going through the multitude of photo APPs that I have on my tablet until I found in a Google search that Apple’s own iPhoto App would do this for me. It allows me to display pictures not only at the same time, side by side, but I can also put together a Journal that allows me to display them with other information as well.

There are four (4) basic display tabs available to you. If you imported you images as albums (directory folders) they will grouped in their folders. You can also tag the pictures as either Flagged or Favorites and that will add them into Folders marked as Tagged and Favorites. If you edit a picture it will be moved from it’s original folder into an Edited Folder. I don’t think there is a limit to the number of folders that you can have so make as many as makes sense to you.

You pictures are also flagged as to whether you Synced them through iTunes or imported them from your camera card. There is a folder listed as Imported as well. The second viewing tab displays all of your photos. They are not separated at all so you will have to scroll through all of your pictures to find the one you want if this is the view you are in. If you have a lot of pictures this view could be cumbersome.

The third view tab is for events.In my case the events that occurred on my tablet were all imports. On all of the folders you can pick a single picture to represent the picture group.

The fourth tab represents Journals that you can create using your pictures and other tools for displaying your pictures in a picture book with background information. You have different gadgets you can add to the pages that help you to document your images. Your Journals can only be shared with iCloud, iTunes or send it to you iPad screen as a slide show.

All in All this is a pretty nice little program. At $5.99 it is a little pricey for an iPad app but it is probably worth it for simple slide shows, and editing.The photo editing is pretty simplistic but sometimes that is all you need.

Here's How: Set Windows 7 To Auto Log ON

Our Mark Stein recently sent over instructions on how to turn on Auto Log ON on a Windows 7 System. I also found this excerpt from Microsoft’s Channel 9 that suggests that you might not want to do this, but if your heart is set on bypassing this security function read on…

Although I don’t personally recommend this, there are some people out there who don’t want to bother with using a password to protect their Windows user account. Using a password in Windows isn’t required, only suggested. But even if you don’t fill one in, you still have to click your user icon to start the login process.

An easier way - although again much less secure - is to enable auto-logins for your Windows PC. This is possible in Windows 7, as it was in prior versions, but it takes a little finagling to do so. (And for good reason, darn it.)

Still, if you must do this, here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to launch the “Run” dialog box.
2. Type in control userpasswords2
3. Press Enter. The User Accounts window will display.
4. Uncheck the option “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”
5. Click “OK”
6. You will then be prompted to enter the current password and confirm it.
7. After doing so, you will no longer be prompted to enter your password upon login.

Use this tip at your own risk!

How are you using an iPad!

TechRepublic just posted an article discussing “10 innovative ways businesses are using the iPad”.

Many of these outlined uses can be applied to any kind of tablet but the iPad is definitely the most pervasive. Most of these uses revolve around either streamlining the company's operations or how the company engages with their clients.

Read this guest posting by Brad Hintze, the chief marketing officer for MokiMobility, which is a provider of cloud-based mobile device management platform for single-purpose iOS and Android devices. I think you will find it interesting. Click on the image below to jump to the article.

What! No DVD Player in Windows 8!

Listening to Windows Weekly this morning I find out that the new Windows 8 coming out will not natively support DVD playback. Referencing a blog entry from Building Windows 8 – Making Windows Media Center available in Windows 8, Steven Sinofsky first discusses their motivation behind breaking out Media Center but he puts one small mention in that Windows Media Player will not support DVD playback.

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Given the changing landscape, the cost of decoder licensing, and the importance of a straight forward edition plan, we’ve decided to make Windows Media Center available to Windows 8 customers via the Add Features to Windows 8 control panel (formerly known as Windows Anytime Upgrade). This ensures that customers who are interested in Media Center have a convenient way to get it.Windows Media Player will continue to be available in all editions, but without DVD playback support. For optical discs playback on new Windows 8 devices, we are going to rely on the many quality solutions on the market, which provide great experiences for both DVD and Blu-ray.

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Microsoft is going to rely on third party programmers to offer applications and CODECs to support DVD playback but will offer Windows Media Center which will have this support as an additional cost through a Windows Upgrade portal. You can purchase this in one of two paths. You will either have Windows 8 (home version) or Windows 8 Pro as a starting point from an OEM build or an upgrade path. You will need to install Windows 8 Pro Pack if you are starting with Windows 8 or, Windows 8 Media Center Pack if you are starting from Windows 8 Pro. The end result will be a product designated as Windows 8 Pro with Media Center. (see graphic below)

You still won’t be able to play DVD’s in Windows Media Player, but you will in Window Media Center. This is a pretty big deal if you consume your movies though your DVD collection or other DVD sources but with the general push these days towards streaming media sources then maybe this isn’t such a big deal. We just need to see these sources offer a much larger collection then it currently does. There are several sources for free CODEC’s that does offer DVD access so all is not lost, but it is just another step that we shouldn’t have to be subjected to.

Lee Mathews writes in his article DVD playback removed from Windows 8? Not exactly 

The Softies cite several reasons, including declining DVD sales and the shift to alternatives like iTunes, Hulu, and Netflix as reasoning for this. There are other considerations at work, too. Manufacturers are going to push Ultrabooks and tablets even harder when Windows 8 arrives, and those tend to ship without an optical drive. If Microsoft stops paying for a playback license you’re probably never going to use, it allows them to shave a few bucks off the price of Windows 8 without any loss of functionality to end users.

If you purchase a Windows 8 system that has a DVD recorder, I would be surprised if it doesn’t come bundled with the required CODEC’s and players to allow you to use it with your DVD Collection. So the only real problem  is going to be for those individuals that are doing upgrades to their own machines or building their own machines and installing an OEM copy of Windows 8 on that new system. If you are doing those things, then you are probably able to also find a solution for this issue as well.

Astaro Security Gateway V7 End-of-Life Reminder

Press Release: As originally announced last year to our partners, Version 7 of Astaro Security Gateway will be end-of-life on December 31st 2012.  As this date approaches we’d like to provide an update on the options available if you still run this version of our product. If you do not have an ASG V7 installation you are unaffected by this announcement (and following ones) and can disregard it. If however you maintain an active installation of ASG V7, you should read on for what the sun setting on this version means for you.

On December 31st 2012, we will conclude all maintenance, security patching, updates, and any further kind of support for Astaro Security Gateway (ASG) Version 7. Before this date occurs, you should migrate to the latest stable version - either to ASG V8 or its successor UTM V9 that will launch in July 2012.  Customers with an existing valid license and maintenance can choose several paths for upgrading their installation to a newer version. For a complete list of current options, pricing, and anything not covered in this reminder announcement, you should always contact your partner or sales representative who will be happy to assist you in answering any questions.

Installations running an ASG V7 software appliance on their own hardware need to install an updated version and then restore a backup file of their configuration, which will apply all your settings except for log files and on-box reports. Logs can be exported in bulk from within the WebAdmin beforehand, while reports will begin anew on your updated platform as existing ones will be purged. If you have an Astaro Security Gateway hardware appliance running V7.510+, there is the option from the Up2Date menu to one-touch-upgrade to ASG V8. This will bring you to the V8 platform automatically, but will require further Up2Dates to be applied after the migration is complete to bring you to the very latest release of the V8 platform. This summer in July of 2012, we will release UTM 9 which is currently in open beta. This platform cannot be directly upgraded to from ASG V7 via a one-touch operation. In order to move from ASG V7 to UTM 9, you will need to re-install UTM 9 when it is released and then restore a backup file. Most features should import successfully, but for best results you should first restore your backup into ASG V8 and then take a backup from that platform into UTM 9.

As we move closer to the End-of-Life date for V7, we will send out additional notices and information covering this topic via email to registered V7 administrators, our Partner newsletter, and other channels. Our newest versions offer complete security, better performance, and hundreds of new features to make your business safer and more productive. We look forward to having you as customer on our latest technology.

-Angelo Comazzetto

Sr. Product Manager

Lilliputian Systems Announces Strategic Partnership Agreement with Brookstone

Press Release: WILMINGTON, MASS. (May 8, 2012) – Lilliputian Systems Inc. (LSI), a developer of portable power products for consumer electronics, is pleased to announce that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Brookstone, Inc. (Brookstone), a multichannel lifestyle retailer and innovative product development company, to launch LSI’s initial product, a revolutionary portable charger for power hungry consumer electronics.

Under the terms of the agreement, Brookstone will be the first retail launch partner for LSI’s portable charging system. Brookstone will be responsible for the marketing, promotion, distribution and sale of the product through their various distribution channels such as catalog, Brookstone.com, and retail stores including airport and mall locations. Lilliputian will be responsible for the product design, development, and manufacturing. The product will be branded and sold under the Brookstone® brand.

"Today's Smartphones use much more power, increasing the need for a more efficient way to recharge when on the go," said Steven Schwartz, Vice President of Merchandising and Product Development at Brookstone. "Lilliputian's groundbreaking technology provides power, wherever and whenever you need it. This breakthrough aligns well with our commitment to innovative solutions that make life easier."

The stand-alone, portable, lightweight, “plug-less charger” product will charge and power billions of Consumer Electronics (CE) devices that subscribe to the USB standard. (e.g. smart phones, mobile handsets, MP3 music/video players, digital cameras, etc.). It provides several weeks of “always available” Personal Power™ to the user from a single recyclable cartridge. Lasting significantly longer than alternative solutions and costing much less than primary spare batteries, the portable power system offers a compelling value proposition and unparalleled mobility and freedom (from wall outlets) for consumers with power hungry smart phones. Additionally, the system can be used for multiple devices, significantly reducing the need for consumers to travel with cables and power adapters. The product has been approved for carry-on and use for regular commercial aircraft abroad by the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and domestically by The U.S. Department of Transportation, offering a superior, convenient solution to the myriad of CE power challenges faced by today’s user.

“We are happy to announce our first strategic go-to-market partnership agreement with Brookstone,” said Ken Lazarus, Lilliputian CEO. “Brookstone’s widespread distribution, brand recognition and reach to our targeted customer base are world-class and we are certain this will be a successful partnership. Together with Brookstone, we look forward to providing customers with a real solution to the challenge of keeping today’s mobile CE devices powered.”

“Countless surveys, focus groups and research reports have shown that current and near-term battery technologies are incapable of satisfying the growing consumer demand for portable power – a fact that any smartphone user already knows,” said Mouli Ramani, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Lilliputian Systems. “This new power system will transform how consumers use their CE devices; they will never have to hunt for a wall outlet or run out of power midday again. It’s like having a plug in your pocket”

Brookstone and Lilliputian will make a formal product announcement in the coming months.