Sunday, March 14, 2010

IT News HeadLines (HotHardware) 14/03/2010


HotHardware
The FCC Wants You To Test Your Broadband Connection
Broadband speed tests are nothing new, but the FCC is offering Internet users a chance to weigh in on just how fast connections are across the country. Unlike regular speed tests, the FCC's program records the street address from which the program is run (no other personal information is requested). I'd really prefer a plan that didn't make me download through a river and upload through a strawWe've talked quite a bit about the FCC's initiative and comprehensive national broadband plan it will present to Congress
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Lenovo Expects 80% Of Future Sales To Involve Mobile Wireless
If we told you that the trend in technology was towards the mobile side, you probably wouldn't be surprised. Think about how much mobile news you've seen over the past few years, and try to think if you had ever seen or heard that much mobile news in the 10 years prior. The smartphone has emerged as a must-have tool in society, whereas it was a real luxury held only by certain businesspeople a decade ago. Think about the notebook PC; now, more people are buying notebooks in place of desktops than ever before,
Read More ...

Thecus Adds TwonkyMedia Server To NAS Devices
Experience TwonkyMedia Server on Thecus NAS 3/11/2010 - In today’s digitized world, NAS devices have become a part of our everyday life as more and more people are integrating NAS into their home networks to stream, share and store digital contents. With the aim to enhance the user’s home digital entertainment experience, Thecus Technology, is officially announcing that the multiple award winning TwonkyMedia Server is now supported on its NAS products. The new TwonkyMedia server offers greater features and flexibility;
Read More ...

Internet Gets Nomination For Nobel Peace Prize: Does It Have A Chance?
At first, we suspected this was all a joke. And in the end, it may wind up being exactly that. But right now, there's a real possibility that the Internet could be nominated to wind the next Nobel Peace Prize. You may be chuckling right now, but don't be surprised if this idea doesn't gain a huge amount of traction. There's seems to be quite a bit of political discord going on right now, and individuals may end liking the idea of supporting an entity rather than a human, and have you ever met someone who actually
Read More ...

Origin PC Adds Overclocked 4.3GHz Core i7-980X Extreme Option
Hot the heels of Intel's announcement of its shiny, new flagship Core i7-980X Extreme Edition 6-Core processor, custom builder Origin PC has added the 980X to its on-line system configurator. Perhaps more interesting than the almost immediate integration of the Core i7-980X Extreme, despite Intel's claim that the CPU wouldn't be available for a few more weeks, is that Origin PC is already offering a speedy 4.3GHz overclocked option... 6-Cores Running At 4.3GHz. Dang. Consumers who opt for the $1,044
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Pentax Unleashes First Medium-Format DSLR: 645D
After a month-long online campaign to promote its launch, Pentax is finally unveiling the 645D medium format digital camera. This is the first digital version of the company's 645 medium format camera system. It features a 40 megapixel, 44 x 33 CCD sensor as well as a 921k dot 3.0-inch LCD. The camera is compatible with the existing 645 system lenses. Sadly, the camera will initially be available only in Japan. It will carry a suggested price of ¥850,000 (approximately US $9,400) and should be available
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Sony Introduces Motion Controller: Behold The PSWii
It wasn't supposed to happen this way. Back when all three consoles were just spec sheets and demo units it was Microsoft vs. Sony and Blu-ray vs. HD DVD. Even the pundits who thought the Wii's motion control interface could win it market share weren't predicting that the modest device would prove as popular as the XBox and PS3 combined. Both Microsoft and Sony realized some time back that the Wiimote wasn't just a fad and adjusted their plans accordingly. Microsoft has been hard at work on Project Natal, while
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Apple OS Learning to Chew Gum and Walk at the Same Time, Multitask Support Coming
One of the biggest complaints surrounding Apple's iPhone OS is the lack of multitasking support, and it's a valid one. But if the latest rumor proves to be true, critics will soon be silenced, or at least redirect their disgust squarely on the lack of Flash integration.Citing "people with a proven track record in predicting Apple's technological advances," AppleInsider.com says the Cupertino-based company will introduce a multitasking solution through the handset's 4.0 software update, at long last allowing
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So, I got a Blackberry Curve last night.

Luckily the guy at Verizon used to go to school with my mom and my god-mom (I'll explain later), so he gave us a really good deal on two Blackberry Curves, a 4 gig SD card, 2 protector cases, 2 car chargers, and a 2 year plan for $120. The total price added up to about $320 but he gave us $200 in mail-in rebates.

So far, I like it. But it will take some getting used to since it's quite the upgrade from my old EnV2. Texting is a little slower, but I'll just get used to it eventually. Browsing the web is nice, I can check HH when I'm not at my house now =D

Right now, the best part? That 4 gig SD card I mentioned. I no longer have to buy ringtones, and can just connect my phone to my computer and transfer any media file I want.

And to clear things up, a "god-mom" is my mom's best friend. That's all I really know, but she's of no blood relation.

Anyway, does anyone else have a smart phone?


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Pentax Unleashes First Medium-Format DSLR: 645D
After a month-long online campaign to promote its launch, Pentax is finally unveiling the 645D medium format digital camera. This is the first digital version of the company's 645 medium format camera system. It features a 40 megapixel, 44 x 33 CCD sensor as well as a 921k dot 3.0-inch LCD. The camera is compatible with the existing 645 system lenses. Sadly, the camera will initially be available only in Japan. It will carry a suggested price of آ¥850,000 (approximately US $9,400) and should be available in May.


PENTAX 645D
PENTAX's First Medium-Format Digital SLR Camera:
Designed to be the Top of Medium-Format Digital SLR Cameras,
Thanks to Super-High-Resolution Images

PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX 645D lens-interchangeable, medium-format digital SLR camera. Thanks to the incorporation of a large image sensor, equal in performance to professional-standard digital camera backs, this high-performance model delivers super-high-resolution images with approximately 40 effective megapixels. It also offers outstanding dependability and superb operability and maneuverability to make outdoor shooting effortless and comfortable for demanding photographers.

The PENTAX 645D has been developed to provide super-high-resolution images produced by large image sensors — something previously available only on professional models — to serious landscape and outdoor photographers. It combines exceptional image quality with excellent maneuverability and outstanding reliability to simplify professional-level outdoor shooting. Thanks to the incorporation of a large, high-performance image sensor (measuring 44mm by 33mm) and PENTAX-original image-processing technology, it produces extra-sharp, super-high-resolution images with approximately 40 effective megapixels. It features remarkable durability and dependability, thanks to its lightweight but solidly built body featuring a magnesium-steel-alloy frame, reinforced glass LCD panel protectors and a reliable dustproof, weather-resistant construction. In addition, it is designed to be compatible with the majority of the existing PENTAX 645 system, so that current PENTAX 645-series camera users can take advantage of their valuable assets, including high-performance smc PENTAX 645 interchangeable lenses.

Major Features

Unprecedented image quality

  • Super-high-resolution images made possible by approximately40 effective megapixels
    The PENTAX 645D incorporates a high-performance CCD image sensor produced byKodak. It measures 44mm by 33mm, and is approximately 1.7 times larger than its35mm-format counterparts. Thanks to approximately 40 effective megapixels, itassures a wide dynamic range to faithfully reproduce the prevailing ambienceand the sense of depth in super-high-resolution images that are rich ingradation and truthful in texture description. In order to bring out the fullpotential of the lens and the image sensor and assure the highest level ofimage-resolving power, the CCD unit is designed with no low-pass filters.
  • High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
    The PENTAX 645D features the acclaimed, PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX RealImage Engine) II as its imaging engine. Thanks to its high-speeddata-processing capacity and new algorithm exclusively programmed for medium-formatdigital SLR cameras, this high-performance imaging engine producessuper-high-quality images rich in gradation and faithful in color reproduction,while allowing speedy data transmission of large-volume image data — evenRAW-format images as large as some 50MB per file.
  • 14-bit A/D converter for faithful conversion of image datato digital signals
    The PENTAX 645D features a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfullyconverts the large volume of analog image data output by the large CCD image sensorto digital signals carrying an extensive amount of image data, includingresolution and gradation.

Solid, maneuverable body

The PENTAX 645D’s main frame is made of lightweight butstrong magnesium-steel alloy, while the chassis is made of diecast aluminum tominimize the expansion and extension caused by heat and also to optimizekinematic accuracy and thermal stability. The LCD panels — one on the camera’stop panel, another on the back panel — are covered with tempered glass platesfor extra protection. The PENTAX 645D’s body is also designed to be a compactand highly maneuverable medium-format camera, despite the incorporation of suchdependable features as a dust-proof, weather-resistant construction with 70special seals, outstanding cold-resistant performance to assure solid operationat a temperature as low as –10آ°C, and a newly designed shutter unit with a topshutter speed of 1/4000 second that can withstand as many as 50,000 shutterreleases.

Dual SD/SDHC memory card slots

The PENTAX 645D has a pair of memory card slots for therecording of images on both SD and SDHC memory cards. This dual-slot designgives the photographer extra data-storage options: for instance, recordedimages can be assigned to different cards according to recording format (suchas RAW or JPEG), or one of the cards can be used as the backup of the other.The settings for each memory card slot can be easily made by dedicated button.

Dependable DR II mechanism to minimize dust spots

The PENTAX 645D comes equipped with the highly dependable DR(Dust Removal) II mechanism, which effectively minimizes annoying dust spots onrecorded images, even when the lenses are changed in dust-prone outdoorsettings. By shifting UV/IR-cut filters placed in front of the CCD image sensorat supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this mechanism effectivelyand efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor. Thanks to the user-friendlydust-alert system, the photographer can check at a quick glance for dustadhering to the image sensor prior to the actual shooting.

Newly designed, high-precision 11-point wide-frame AF sensor

The PENTAX 645D’s new SAFOX IX + wide-frame autofocus systemfeatures 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in themiddle) to assure the extra-high-precision focusing demanded of medium-formatdigital SLR cameras. To develop this sophisticated AF system, the entireoptical system was redesigned, at the same time with the addition of the newfunctionality to analyze and make use of the light sources data in the field ofview.

Advanced 77-segment multi-pattern metering

The PENTAX 645D employs a state-of-the-art, 77-segmentmulti-pattern metering system to assure super-high-accuracy light metering. Theexposure accuracy is further enhanced by collecting such additional data asimage orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the distance to andmagnification of the subject using the sensors installed inside the camerabody, with the obtained data incorporated into exposure calculations.

Large, easy-to-see optical viewfinder

Incorporated in the PENTAX 645D’s finder unit, atrapezoid-shaped glass prism not only assures an approximately 98% field ofview, but also greatly contributes to the downsizing of the camera body.Coupled with a bright, easy-to-focus Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, thePENTAX 645D’s viewfinder offers a large, clear view of the subject.

Custom Image function to create desired visual effects withease

The PENTAX 645D’s Custom Image function lets the user easilycontrol an image’s finishing touches to more precisely reflect the user’screative intentions, or to more faithfully reproduce the ambience of the scene.The user can select one of eight modes, including the new Reversal Film modedesigned to create images with the colors that are typical of reversal film. Inaddition, all parameters — such as saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness, key,and highlight/shadow contrast — can be easily adjusted to desired levels, sothat the photographer can shoot images with great ease.

Versatile, multi-mode exposure system for faithfulreproduction of creative intentions

  • Hyper Program function
    The PENTAX 645D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly switchfrom Programmed AE mode to Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode with a simpleturn of the electric dials positioned around the grip. A single push of thegreen button shifts the exposure mode back to the original Programmed AE mode.
  • Hyper Manual function
    When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, the PENTAX 645D's Hyper Manual modelets the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject with asingle push of the green button.
  • Sensitivity-Priority mode
    The unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode automatically selects the optimumcombination of aperture and shutter speed for the user-selected sensitivity.The sensitivity can be shifted swiftly by electronic dial on the back panel.The variable amount of the ISO could be configured to either 1/2 or 1/3 stepsper click.
  • Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode
    Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras for theautomatic shifting of sensitivity at any time, the Shutter/Aperture-Priority(TAv) mode automatically selects the most appropriate sensitivity for theuser-selected aperture/shutter-speed combination. It allows the user toeffortlessly experiment with a greater range of photographic expressions.

Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with approximately921,000 dots

Positioned on the camera’s back panel, a large 3.0-inchcolor LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots provides a clear, bright viewof onscreen images and menus. Since its wide-view design allows quick,effortless confirmation of the monitor image from approximately 170 degreesboth horizontally and vertically, the photographer has little difficultyshooting images from low and high angles. The LCD monitor is also treated withexclusive AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimize reflections on the screen,even in the outdoor locations under bright sunshine.

Long battery life

The PENTAX 645D is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeablelithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 800 images* when fullycharged.

(*Under testing conditions prescribed by PENTAX, when usinga rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no flash. )

Other features

  • HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one compositeimage with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with differentexposures
  • Dynamic-Range Expansion function to compensate for bothwhitewashed (excessively overexposed) and blacked-out (excessivelyunderexposed) areas
  • Digital Level function for easy checking of the image’slevels
  • Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromaticaberration (available in combination with the D FA 645- and FA 645- serieslenses)
  • Versatile white-balance control system, including the CTEmode designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the capturedimages, which works especially well with such scene like sunset.
  • Mirror shock/operation-noise reduction function to assuresmooth, quiet operation of the mirror during shooting
  • Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
  • Compatible with the SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor)autofocus mechanism, designed to assure smooth, quiet operation using thesupersonic motor installed inside SDM lenses
  • HDMI terminal (for type C mini connectors) forhigh-resolution image data output
  • User-friendly, color-classified control buttons/switches,based on the color universal design concept
  • PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, includinga RAW-data processing application (based on the popular SILKYPIX RAW-dataprocessing engine developed by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and browserapplication


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Internet Gets Nomination For Nobel Peace Prize: Does It Have A Chance?
At first, we suspected this was all a joke. And in the end, it may windup being exactly that. But right now, there's a real possibility thatthe Internet could be nominated to wind the next Nobel Peace Prize. Youmay be chuckling right now, but don't be surprised if this idea doesn'tgain a huge amount of traction. There's seems to be quite a bit ofpolitical discord going on right now, and individuals may end likingthe idea of supporting an entity rather than a human, and have you evermet someone who actually despised the Internet? Is that even possible?



A new website has been established to rally Mr. Internet as the leadcontender for the next Prize, with "Internet For Peace" urging visitorsto look at all of the benefits that that Internet has and get behindthe idea of supporting it. Here's the full spill of why the World WideWeb deserves the next Nobel Peace award:

آ We have finally realized that the Internet is much more than a network of computers.
It is an endless web of people. Men and women from every corner of the globe are
connecting to one another, thanks to the biggest social interface ever known to humanity.
Digital culture has laid the foundations for a new kind of society.
And this society is advancing dialogue, debate and consensus through communication.
Because democracy has always flourished where there is openness, acceptance,
discussion and participation. And contact with others has always been the most
effective antidote against hatred and conflict.
That's why the Internet is a tool for peace.
That's why anyone who uses it can sow the seeds of non-violence.
And that's why the next Nobel Peace Prize should go to the Net.
A Nobel for each and every one of us.

Of course, people are looking at this from very different angles. Forinstance, many really do feel that the Internet has brought the worldcloser together, enabled fund raising to happen in nations thatwouldn't otherwise get attention and provide an avenue for discussionbetween people who would otherwise never come into contact. On theother hand, some say that the Internet has enabled arguments anddivisions to intensify, and that it was caused just as much harm asgood.



We're somewhere in between. We think the Internet deserves all of theattention and credit that it gets, but we're not sure it reallydeserves a Peace Prize. Besides, who accepts the award if it wins? Andwhy hasn't it been nominated before? It's not like the Internet hasjust suddenly become worthy. What do you think? Are you voting yes orno?

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Thecus Adds TwonkyMedia Server To NAS Devices

Thecus Introduces 1U4600 Rackmount NAS ServerExperience TwonkyMedia Server on Thecus NAS

3/11/2010 - In today’s digitized world, NAS devices have become a part of our everyday life as more and more people are integrating NAS into their home networks to stream, share and store digital contents. With the aim to enhance the user’s home digital entertainment experience, Thecus Technology, is officially announcing that the multiple award winning TwonkyMedia Server is now supported on its NAS products.

The new TwonkyMedia server offers greater features and flexibility; it supports most DLNA-Certified and UPnP compliant devices, such as TVs, PCs, mobile devices and Digital Media Adapters (DMA). Compatibility wise, TwonkyMedia Server also supports an abundance of multimedia file formats, allowing users to stream virtually all types of videos, photos and music. Furthermore, TwonkyMedia Server can even support gaming consoles. Simply connect a PS3 or Xbox360 to the Thecus NAS, and users can immediately start streaming multimedia contents from Thecus NAS and enjoy them directly on their TV. It really doesn’t get any easier than this.

The user interface of the new TwonkyMedia Server is also very intuitive. With only a few simple setup steps, users will be able to start streaming multimedia files from Thecus NAS in no time. Users also have the option to select different types of navigation trees according to the size of their media contents, assisting users to view and manage their media contents more conveniently and efficiently.

Users who wish to try out the new TwonkyMedia Server can go to Thecus Download Centre and download module. Enjoy the ultimate home entertainment experience with Thecus and TwonkyMedia Server.


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Origin PC Adds Overclocked 4.3GHz Core i7-980X Extreme Option

The Origin of Speed: Origin's Genesis Desktop ReviewedHot the heels of Intel's announcement of its shiny, new flagship Core i7-980X Extreme Edition 6-Core processor, custom builder Origin PC has added the 980X to its on-line system configurator. Perhaps more interesting than theآ almost immediate integrationآ of the Core i7-980X Extreme, despite Intel's claim that the CPU wouldn't be available for a few more weeks, is that Origin PC is already offering a speedy 4.3GHz overclocked option...


6-Cores Running At 4.3GHz. Dang.

Consumers who opt for the $1,044 overclocked CPU must also choose Origin's custom liquid-cooling solution, but upgraded cooling should be expected with a high-end, overclocked PC such as this.


I'm so bad, I should be in detention...

Considering how fast a stock Core i7-980X Extreme Edition is, a roughly 1GHz overclock should make Origin's system an absolute screamer. I think it's time to make some calls--we may need to get one of these puppies in the lab ASAP.



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Itunes slows down PC's

This is kind of my own conspiracy theory that I came up with, and I do have some basis behind it.

I work on a lot of computers, and I've just noticed that computers with itunes installed are noticeably slower than ones without. I see it all the time, and its just really apparent.

So I was thinking that maybe that wasn't a accident or a mistake on Apples part. I mean if you had a program that went on the majority of your competition's machines wouldn't it make sense if you made that program so that it installed lots of background services and other crap to make the OS slow down. Then it makes your product seem that much better in comparison. A lot of the people that I know that talk about getting macs are people that already have apple products, like ipods and iphones, and because of that use itunes.

So in a nut shell, I think that itunes boggs down systems, and that it might an attempt by Apple to sabotage the competition in order to convert PC customers to macs.

Personally I got a SanDisk sansa because it works in linux, it was cheap, and it works great. The interface isn't the best I got to admit, but I don't have to install any software to use it.


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Lenovo Expects 80% Of Future Sales To Involve Mobile Wireless
If we told you that the trend in technology was towards the mobileside, you probably wouldn't be surprised. Think about how much mobilenews you've seen over the past few years, and try to think if you hadever seen or heard that much mobile news in the 10 years prior. Thesmartphone has emerged as a must-have tool in society, whereas it was areal luxury held only by certain businesspeople a decade ago. Thinkabout the notebook PC; now, more people are buying notebooks in placeof desktops than ever before, because those machines are nimble andable to be easily transported.

Lenovo is a huge company in the notebook and desktop space.Having the ThinkPad line has been the hallmark of their arrival in the market when they picked up the division from IBM years ago.آ It seems thatthe company is anticipating that sales of their equipment will trend smaller (in terms ofitem size) as the years move on. According to a new report based onquotes from CEO Yang Yuanqing, wireless Internet products will accountfor "up to 80%" of total Lenovo sales within five years. That's a hugepercentage, and that means that Lenovo expects four out of five itemsthat it sells to be release with mobile Internet in some way.



But with the proliferation of mobile Broadband, particularly WWAN chipsthat are built into netbooks, notebooks and tablet PCs, this claimseems a bit less far-fetched. Yang stated that "mobile Internet is veryimportant," and that "even today, notebook sales already are higherthan desktops. MobileInternet products are going to be 70 to 80 percent of our sales ...within three to five years." He also stated his plans to pursue mobileInternet sales in emerging economies such as Asia, Latin America andEastern Europe, though no acquisitions were in their roadmap.

We're curious to know if any other companies are in this same boat.Does everyone view mobile sales as such an important aspect of totalsales in the near future? Does this explain the sudden influx of tabletand slate PCs? Does this explain the cutting back of desktopproduction? How small can we reasonably go? And can our networks handleall of this mobile data usage? Only time will tell, but it shoulddefinitely be interesting to watch it all pan out.

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Sony Introduces Motion Controller: Behold The PSWii
It wasn't supposed to happen this way. Back when all three consoles were just spec sheets and demo units it was Microsoft vs. Sony and Blu-ray vs. HD DVD. Even the pundits who thought the Wii's motion control interface could win it market share weren't predicting that the modest device would prove as popular as the XBox and PS3 combined. Both Microsoft and Sony realized some time back that the Wiimote wasn't just a fad and adjusted their plans accordingly. Microsoft has been hard at work on Project Natal, while Sony has finally taken the wraps off its own controller dubbed the Playstation Move.



Reports coming back from GDC, where Sony unveiled the Move this week, are generally positive, with industry journalists often praising how the controller feels in games like SOCOM 4. Like the Wiimote, the Move will be paired with a secondary nunchuk, and it's not clear how much the two controllers and the PlayStation Eye will cost.



Just because motion control was an integral part of the Wii's design doesn't mean it'll be a slam dunk for Sony. The additional peripherals add to the cost of what's already the most expensive console on the market and developers won't be able to exclusively target the Playstation Move or automatically assume that PS3 players are using it. Technologically, Sony's Move appears to be the equal of the Wiimote, but do PS3 owners want to play the same way Wii owners do?آ

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Apple OS Learning to Chew Gum and Walk at the Same Time, Multitask Support Coming
One of the biggest complaints surrounding Apple's iPhone OS is the lack of multitasking support, and it's a valid one. But if the latest rumor proves to be true, critics will soon be silenced, or at least redirect their disgust squarely on the lack of Flash integration.

Citing "people with a proven track record in predicting Apple's technological advances," AppleInsider.com says the Cupertino-based company will introduce a multitasking solution through the handset's 4.0 software update, at long last allowing third party apps to run in the background.



If this comes to pass -- and we're inclined to believe it will -- the move couldn't come at a better time for Apple. Facing increased competition from Google's Android platform, Apple is at risk of giving up even more of its mobile market share than it already has. Multitasking support would go a long way in preventing the competition from dethroning the iPhone as arguably the sexiest smartphone on the market.



And it's not just the smartphone market that's at stake, either. Apple began taking pre-orders for the iPad this morning, which has grand aspirations of conquering the netbook, e-book reader, and tablet markets all at once. Whether or not it can do that without Flash support remains to be seen, but at the very least, multitasking will be crucial in pushing out a $500+ handheld gadget.

So why has it taken Apple so long to integrate multitasking? The iPhone is certainly capable and already allows specific apps to run in the background, such as the system's phone, SMS, email, and other bundled software. But as far as Apple is concerned, extending that same courtesy to third party apps obtained through the App Store presents a security risk. By disallowing third-party multitasking, there's no chance of a rogue app running in the background unbeknownst to the end-user.



How Apple intends to address the security risk while still allowing multitasking isn't yet known, but if Steves Jobs and Co. hope to compete against the plethora of handheld gadgets on the horizon, they would be wise to figure it out.

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Steam beta thoughts

I know it's been a minute since it was released, but I wanted to know what ppl think of it.

Personally I feel that it was long overdue. They did well to keep it simple as far as the GUI goes and not change it too much... it looks clean. Haven't run into any bugs/issues with it yet. I've always liked Steam and these days almost prefer to DL games rather than buy them on disc for 2 reasons: 1)No media to lose or scratch up. 2)Don't have to concern myself with DL'ing patches since Steam handles that for me. :) The icing on the cake(which isn't a lie BTW... Portal 2 this year FTW!!!)is the great sales Steam has. Arkham Asylum is on sale right now for $25.


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