Rest it peace hd-dvd

. Entertainment announced Friday it will release high-definition DVDs exclusively in the new Blu-ray format, the studio may have struck a deadly blow against its struggling high-definition rival, HD-DVD, analysts resoundingly told ABCNEWS.com.

The rivalry between the two platforms of high-definition DVDs — Blu-ray is supported by Sony, while HD-DVD is supported by both Toshiba and Microsoft — has been raging since the discs’ development. While other Hollywood studios have gradually chosen one format over the other, Warner Bros. had been the lone exception, publishing movies in both formats.

“Warner Bros.’ move to exclusively release in the Blu-ray disc format is a strategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to give consumers what they want,” chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Barry Meyer said in a statement on Friday. “The window of opportunity for high-definition DVD could be missed if format confusion continues to linger.”

Only two major U.S. studios now support HD-DVD, while five will support Sony’s Blu-ray disc exclusively.

After the studio’s announcement, a long-planned press event to promote HD-DVD at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas was abruptly canceled.

“This is definitely a bad blow to the HD-DVD folks at a time when both sides were trying to gain momentum,” Michael Gartenberg, vice president and research director of Jupiter Research, told ABCNEWS.com. “And clearly you can see the effects of this. They canceled their press conference at CES. That doesn’t happen every day.”

At the Consumer Electronics Show, Sunday, representatives from Sony were practically giddy over the development.

“All of us at Sony are feeling a bit blue today, but that’s a good feeling,” CEO Sir Howard Stringer said at a news conference, chuckling. “Along with Warner Bros.’ decision to support Blu-ray I want to thank Bob Iger at Disney and Rupert Murdoch at Fox for being ‘true blue’ from the start.”

Disney, the parent company of ABC News, was one of the first to commit to the Blu-ray format.

Rick Clancy, Sony’s senior vice president of electronics, echoed those sentiments. pleased with the news obviously,” Clancy said Sunday in Las Vegas. “Clearly the momentum is in Blu-ray’s favor in terms of consumer interest in the format.”

Despite the boost and the potential downfall of HD-DVD, analysts say that Blu-ray still faces a few formidable competitors.

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The most difficult challenge will be regular DVDs, said Rob Enderle, a Silicon Valley technology analyst for the Enderle Group.

New DVD players allow consumers to “upgrade” their regular DVDs to look almost as good as they would in high definition.

“The big obstacle is to overcome is actually regular DVDs because it’s already good enough” for most consumers, Enderle said. “It’s inexpensive and good enough and they already have it. They’re likely to stay with what they’ve got.”

Online video on demand that allows consumers to download movies directly to their PCs may also ultimately make the format war an obsolete argument. As technology advances, more consumers will be able to connect content on their desktops to their televisions, including high-definition content.

“This year at CES you’re going to see a whole lot about downloads and downloads are probably the next big thing,” Enderle said.

Still, not everyone is ready to count HD-DVD out. CNET editor at large Brian Cooley doesn’t believe HD-DVD Microsoft will go down without a fight.

“This is the thing. [They] are both movie formats and they’re also computer disc formats just like a CD. … Microsoft wants to use HD-DVD as the computer format,” Cooley said. “Microsoft’s a very powerful force. Vista supports HD-DVD. The Xbox uses HD-DVD.”

“I think this is probably the beginning of the end … [but] I’ll tell you they’ve surprised us before,” Cooley said.

Cooley advised eager shoppers ready to snap up Blu-rays to wait.

“Between now and next holiday season it’s a big window but that’s the time you can decide,” Cooley said. “I think that you’re getting pretty confident as a consumer that Blu-rays the way to go, I’d still give it a few months to see what’s going on. … You want to see HD-DVD officially give up.”

Leopard Vista 2.0?

Apple’s claim that the new Mac OS X Leopard will eclipse Vista is drawing some mixed responses, at least based on what Steve Jobs & Co. showed at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco yesterday.

“Is Apple’s Leopard really Vista 2.0?” asks Mary Jo Foley on the Microsoft Watch blog. WinInfo’s Paul Thurrott dissects the features in this post on his Internet Nexus site and comes away less than impressed. On Wired News, Leander Kahney calls the preview “underwhelming.”

On the other hand, some of the industry analysts who were there are saying good things about Time Machine and other features. To me, the Web Clip feature in the new Dashboard looked pretty interesting, the kind of thing people might use on a regular basis. And it’s worth noting that the primary audience wasn’t consumers. One of the Mac software developers I spoke with at WWDC, Ed Robinson of Binary Consulting Inc., pointed to the Core Animation technology as the “big wow for developers” coming out of the keynote.

Jobs made a point of explaining that Apple is keeping some features secret. But if you’re bold enough to declare, “Introducing Vista 2.0,” the pressure is going to be on to prove that statement with what you’re showing that day.

“Unless Leopard’s ‘top secret’ features can raise the pulse, Apple stands to lose a lot of the shine off its reputation for innovation,” the Register says.

Macworld editorial director Jason Snell expresses mixed feelings about Apple’s decision not to reveal all the features: “As a strategy, it seems reasonable, since holding back new features means that Apple will have some stuff left over to make a big splash when Leopard is closer, either at Macworld Expo or at shipping time. Yet as a Mac user it drives me batty, because I want to know more.”

Another part of the debate is whether Apple is really breaking new ground with its Time Machine back-up program. You can see a demo of it here. Windows XP has a System Restore feature, and this Microsoft page details the “Previous Versions” feature to be included in Windows Vista, derived from the technology known as Volume Shadow Copy in Windows Server. The page also has a screen shot showing what the Previous Versions interface looks like.

Of course, slick graphics don’t necessarily translate into good functionality and ease of use, and most of us haven’t actually used Time Machine at this point. But the Apple program is grabbing attention, at least. “Volume Shadow Copy looks like it’s from the 90s,” wrote one reader in a comment on a previous post. “Time Machine looks like it’s from the future.”

I was very dissapointed to see that apple copyed vista aero theme. Just look an Leopards menu bar.

Whats next for windows?

With Windows Vista finally behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to the next Windows client release, which is currently codenamed Windows “7″, though Microsoft has used other code-names, like “Vienna” and “Windows Seven” in the past. Despite an almost complete lack of verifiable information about this next major Windows release, there are at least two excellent reasons to begin discussing this project now:

1. This Web site, the SuperSite for Windows, is dedicated to discussing upcoming Microsoft products, so it’s only natural that I’d post a FAQ like this as soon as possible.

2. Microsoft isn’t particularly interested in discussing Vienna. “The launch of Windows Vista was an incredibly exciting moment for our customers and partners around the world, and the company is focused on the value Windows Vista will bring to people today,” Kevin Kutz, a Director in the Windows Client group at Microsoft said on February 13, 2007. “We are not giving official guidance to the public yet about the next version of Windows, other than that we’re working on it. When we are ready, we will provide updates.” This quote was provided after I wrote a WinInfo article denouncing recent news reports about Vienna, all of which provided absolutely no new information at all.

Clearly, what’s needed is a central location for accurate information about Vienna. This is Q: Is Microsoft working on an operating system after Windows Vista?

A: Yes. The next client version of Windows was originally codenamed “Blackcomb,” though the company renamed it to “Windows Vienna” in early 2006 and to “Windows Seven” or “Windows 7″ more recently.

Q: Why Windows 7?

Since Windows Vista is really Windows 6.0, Windows 7 will presumably be version 7.0.

Q: Is Windows 7 the final name?

No. Like Vienna, Windows 7 is just a codename and will likely change prior to the OS’ official release.

Q: I heard that Windows Vista will be the last major OS release from Microsoft. Is that true?

A: No. Windows-based PCs will continue to form the center of our digital lifestyles, and as Microsoft executives have noted in recent days, there are still plenty of areas in which Microsoft can improve Windows. Some obvious examples include voice recognition and storage.

Q: So is Windows 7 going to be a major Windows version?

A: Yes. Windows Vista was a major release, and Windows 7 will be also be a major update. Microsoft is currently on a development path where every other Windows version is a major release, so it’s possible we’ll see a minor OS update between Vista and Windows 7.

Q: When will Windows 7 ship?

A: Microsoft currently plans to ship Windows 7 in 2010, about four years after Vista. (Windows Server updates are on a similar cycle.)

Q: What features will be included in Windows 7?

A: Microsoft hasn’t publicly committed to any features for Windows 7 and the company is currently still deciding what this next Windows release will look like. We do know a few things about Windows 7, however: It will include a new version of Windows Explorer that is being built by the same team that designed the Ribbon user interface in Office 2007. It will likely include some form of the “Hypervisor” (Windows Virtualization) technologies that will ship shortly after Windows Server 2008. It will also likely include the WinFS (Windows Future Storage) technologies, though they won’t be packaged or branded as WinFS. Microsoft says it might also make a subscription-based version of the OS available to consumers, but that’s still in flux. In December 2007, a Microsoft product manager said that Windows 7 would include new touch features that expand on what’s available in Vista.

Q: That’s it?

A: Yes, but remember it’s early yet and Microsoft is being very secretive about future Windows versions. However, the company has publicly issued a bit of information about the broad capabilities it intends to include in Windows 7. This information comes from a publicly-available Microsoft slide deck:

Easier. Windows 7 will make it easier for users to find and use information. Local, network and Internet search functionality will converge. Intuitive user experiences will be further advanced. Automated application provisioning and cross-application data transparency will be integrated.

More secure. Windows 7 will include improved security and legislative compliance functionality. Data protection and management will be extended to peripheral devices. Windows 7 will advance role-based computing scenarios and user-account management, and bridge the inherent conflicts between data protection and robust collaboration. It will also enable enterprise-wide data protection and permissions.

Better connected. Windows 7 will further enable the mobile workforce. It will deliver anywhere, anytime, any device access to data and applications. It will enable a robust ad-hoc collaboration experience. Wireless connectivity, management and security functionality will be expanded. The performance and functionality of current and emerging mobile hardware will be optimized. The multiple device sync, management and data protection capabilities in Windows will be extended. Finally, Windows 7 will enable flexible computing infrastructures including rich, thin and network-centric models.

Lower cost. Windows 7 will help businesses optimize their desktop infrastructure. It will enable seamless OS, application and data migration, and simplified PC provisioning and upgrading. It will further efforts towards non-disruptive application updating and patching. Windows 7 will include improved hardware- and software-based virtualization experiences. And it will expand the PC self-help and IT Pro problem resolution diagnostics in Windows.

Q: Will Windows 7 be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions like Vista?

A: Though I had expected Windows 7 to ship only in 64-bit versions, Microsoft now says it will be the final Windows version to ship in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Q: Will Microsoft release any Windows updates between now and Windows 7?

A: Yes. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1, codenamed “Fiji”) will ship simultaneously with Windows Server 2008 in early 2008 and will include a new kernel version that makes that release up to date with the kernel version in Longhorn. And one might logically expect a new Media Center update before Windows 7 as well.

Yahoo! says no to Microsoft

So Jerry Yang’s latest lower-case missive to his besieged staff explains that the board rejected Microsoft’s offer because it undervalued the firm. It didn’t take into account the global audience, recent investment in Panama and in advertising acquisitions and the improved cash flow predicted for 2008.

He went on to talk about mobile and other growth markets in China and Japan – in fact there wasn’t much he didn’t mention.

“You deserve the credit for the tremendously valuable business we have built,” said Yang.

“All of us in management, as well as the members of the board, deeply appreciate and respect what you have done and continue to do in order to maintain and enhance Yahoo’s leadership position in the online world.”

Translation: please don’t leave. As if things weren’t uncertain enough, today is supposedly the day when Yahoo starts laying off those 1,000 staff. There’s no confirmation on which departments will be worst hit, reports paidContent, but they will be the lowest priority parts of the firm’s business.

• Microsoft’s response was to call Yahoo’s decision unfortunate, but they sounded resolved to battle on: “The Yahoo response does not change our belief in the strategic and financial merits of our proposal.

“As we have said previously, Microsoft reserves the right to pursue all necessary steps to ensure that Yahoo!’s shareholders are provided with the opportunity to realize the value inherent in our proposal.”

Translation: we’re looking at a proxy battle for shareholders.

• Analysts all share the opinion that the deal will go through, with the most likely scenario that the two sides sit down and hammer out a new price – likely to be around $35 per share. A ‘white knight’ is unlikely – no-one has come forward yet and few firms have the resources, particularly in the current financial climate, to stump of $44bn for the firm. Source: paidContent

• Assuming the bid for Yahoo goes through eventually, Microsoft is planning to create both a combined giant search portal and a combined advertising platform across the two companies, says Kara Swisher. Source: AllThingsD

• One source who says that Yahoo will sell at $36 per share – above the $31 Microsoft offer but below the $40 goal that had been reported. Negotiation tactics, anyone? Source: Valleywag

• Investors are starting to stack up against Yang, reports the New York Post, saying that Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer has hired the specialist proxy solicitation firm InnisFree. Source: New York Post

• More spies have reported that Yang has hundreds of employees working on secret revamp plans which include overhauling the homepage, consolidating the various social networks (which could include Flickr, Delicious and Upcoming.org), introducing a Facebook-style develop platform for the whole Yahoo network and reviewing Yahoo’s network infrastructure. Yang had planned to launch those this month, so Microsoft’s bid was bad timing for him.

Games for windows

Games for Windows is a gaming platform and marketing campaign by Microsoft that dates back at least to 2005, and was revised in 2006. Games for the platform must meet certification standards similar to those of modern popular videogame consoles. The campaign aims to make video gaming on Windows operating systems as easy and accessible as on popular video game consoles.

The campaign has been promoted through convention kiosks and through other forums as early as 2005.^[1]

//

The Games for Windows website shows information about and links to Microsoft products, as well as links to specific video games, computer hardware, gaming tips, new game releases, bestsellers, and general gaming information about Windows games and related software.

The website has a “Windows Game Advisor” which has some more links to specific games, as well as more game rankings and a registration section which appears that allows visitors to find games that suit their tastes.

Games released on the Games for Windows platform are released in standard Games for Windows packaging. Packaging features include a prominent “Games for Windows” logo stripe across the upper front of the keep case.

In a December 2006 update on the progress of the marketing campaign, Microsoft stated to IGN.com that “the Games for Windows brand will sit on a stripe across all of the PC game boxes that are partners with this effort.” Microsoft stated they had increased their sales of Games for Windows brand games in stores that had been giving the games greater focus, and said they planned on increased marketing efforts of the brand.^[2]

Games which wish to be included in the Games for Windows platform must meet certain requirements regulated by Microsoft. These include,^[3] but are not limited to:

• An “Easy Install” option that installs the title on your PC in the fewest possible steps and mouse clicks
• Compatibility with the Windows Vista Games Explorer (see below)
• Compatibility with the Xbox 360 controller (where applicable)
• Installs and runs properly on x64 versions of Windows Vista and is compatible with 64-bit processors (though the game itself can be 32-bit)
• Supports normal and widescreen resolutions, such as 4:3 aspect ratio (800 x 600, 1024 x 768), 16:9 aspect ratio (1280 x 720), and 16:10 aspect ratio (1152 x 720, 1280 x 800)
• Launching from Media Center (Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate have Media Center)

While not a required feature at this time, some Games For Windows certified games are playable during the game’s installation, making PC games more convenient and more similar to console games, in that players aren’t required to wait until the game’s installation is complete before they can play the game. This feature is known as Tray and Play but is only available in Halo 2 for Vista as of now.

Starting with Halo 2 for Windows Vista on May 31st 2007, some Games for Windows titles will have access to Microsoft’s Live network for online play and other features, including voice chat, messaging and friends lists, accessed from an in-game menu called the “Guide”. Users can log in with their Xbox Live Gamertags to gain achievements and play games and chat across platforms (not every game supports cross-platform play.) Some features, including cross-platform multiplayer and multiplayer achievements, require a subscription to Live Gold.

Included with all versions of Windows Vista, this special folder showcases the various games installed on one’s computer. When a compatible game is installed, the system adds the game’s shortcut to the Games Explorer and also downloads the game’s boxart and content rating information (e.g. ESRB, PEGI etc.) for that game through either developers’ own game definition files or from information provided by All Media Guide.^[4] Compatibility generally depends on the age or popularity of the games with newer games having better compatibility. For example, Starcraft is fully compatible despite being nearly a decade older than Windows Vista. If a game is incompatible with the Games Explorer, the user can manually add a game by dragging a game’s shortcut to the Games Explorer (though boxart and rating information will be missing). Games Explorer is fully compatible with Vista’s parental controls. Parents can restrict how long a child can play and what kind of games he/she may play (based on ratings and/or specific title

Microsoft fights back.

Microsoft finally decided that they wont take the ad’s from apple any longer and lanched a new tv ad for vista and windows live. They are going to air very soon. They also are creating a pc v mac tv ads that makes pc’s rock.

http://getyourliveid.ca/windowslive/share.html

http://getyourliveid.ca/windowslive/connect.html