ReadyBoost - MS Q&A
July 27, 2008
This is an old (April, 2006) post regarding the Readyboost feature, that is available to Windows Vista users. It answers many of the questions that we’ve had about the feature. So, if any of you are interested hit the jump for more Q&A.
Q: What perf do you need on your device?
A: 2.5MB/sec throughput for 4K random reads and 1.75MB/sec throughput for 512K random writes Read more
Microsoft comes clean with 360 Price drop
July 13, 2008
By now everyone has heard that the 360 has indeed received a price drop for the 20GB model. However, Microsoft has finally come clean and has given a reason for this…
The new pricepoint, isn’t a new pricepoint! It’s MS’sway of selling off the remaining 20GB models to make room for the new 60GB sku. Expect to pay $349 for the new sku. And the 20GB is available at $299, while supplies last.
Priced at $299.00 it’s hard to resist picking one up (if you don’t have one already). Although it’s a good way to get a cheap 360 with a HDD. Just remember that 20GB just isn’t enough for live these days. With downloadable movies, arcade games, game clips and Xbox originals you’ll run through the 12GB (available for use on the 20GB) pretty quickly. It may be worth your $50 to wait until the 60GB is available.
Microsoft COFEE Thumb Drives - A new way to snoop
May 4, 2008
Microsoft, a company that is always “trying” to do “good” things, is distributing free thumb drives to police officers around the world.
MS is providing these free thumb drives to police officers (ie. the largest gangs in the world) in 15 countries and enjoys a user base of 2000 officers.
These aren’t your regular run-of-the-mill thumb drives. Nope, these “special” drives called COFEE (Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor) contain more than 150 commands that are used to collect information, decrypt passwords and snoop around network activity.
Sounds like a cyber-criminals dream come true!
Here’s to hoping that these drives don’t make it into the main-stream somehow…
Microsoft to buy Yahoo - $44 Billion
February 1, 2008
The Software giant has put the money down ($44.6 billion) or $31 a share, in a mix of cash and stock. The offer represents a 62% premium on the closing price of Yahoo on Thursday. MS says that they will create a more efficient company…
“Microsoft said it expects the deal to gain regulatory approval and to be completed in the second half of 2008. “
Xbox 360 - The Center of your Digital Living Room
January 7, 2008
I would say the majority of Xbox 360 owner’s know that the Xbox isn’t just for games anymore. With support for DivX/Xvid the console started to become the center of your home theater. However, this “all-in-one” digital centre piece just got better.
Today MS spilled the beans regarding their IPTV service for the console. BT (British Telecom) will soon be offer consumers the choice of using the console as a set-top box for IPTV.
MS also stated that they have struck deals with ABC and Disney. So, if you miss any show you will now be able to download/stream it to your Xbox. MGM will also be releasing their works to the console. This is just the beginning as other major media giants will surely jump on the band wagon.
“Xbox Live, when we’re done integrating this content, will offer more than twice as many hours of on-demand, high definition content as any cable or satellite provider,” says Robert Bach
Side Note — Microsoft states that the 360 has shipped 17.5 million consoles to date and it currently serves 10 million “Live” users per day.
aizen Design