andPOP » windows

KOEI Announces Release of Dynasty Warriors 6 for PlayStation 2 and PC

andPOP Staff — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:40:51 +0000

KOEI, a developer and distributer of strategy and action games, announced today that the company will be bringing its successful tactical action game, Dynasty Warriors 6, to the PlayStation 2 and to Windows-based PC.

Dynasty Warriors 6 will debut on PlayStation 2 as a two-disc collection featuring the full cast of characters and scenarios of the original release, as well as platform-exclusive content including the ‘Musou’ mode stories, new weapons, five additional stages and 10 new scenarios.

Dynasty Warriors 6 for PlayStation 2 will ship to retailers starting November 18, while the version for Windows-based PCs will be available exclusively through digital download. The game is already in stories for the PlayStation 3 entertainment system and for the Xbox 360.

TeamViewer Releases New Remote Access Software

andPOP Staff — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:42:49 +0000

TeamViewer GmbH, a software company focusing on online communications and collaboration, has just released the live version of its TeamViewer remote maintenance program for Mac. This program is designed to enable remote access of computers via the Internet and across firewalls.

‘Remote access’ means that one person can have access to another person’s computer over the Internet via enabling software such as TeamViewer. For example, if you are working on a project with someone, you would be able to look at and control your partner’s computer through your own computer. In essence, it’s like being able to log onto and sit in front of your partner’s computer through the Internet.

When a user starts TeamViewer, a unique ID number is created that is communicated to the user’s partner by email or telephone notification. Once the ID code is entered, an immediate connection is set up with the corresponding computer. Once the connection is made, the computer can be controlled remotely. The control direction can be changed at any time, allowing both parties to see and control each other’s laptops.

All TeamViewer products are equipped with security devices to ensure that no other computers in the data path are able to access information. The TeamViewer offers across-platform support – Macs users can remotely control Macs or Windows computers, and vice-versa.

TeamViewer is available free for non-commercial purposes, and can be downloaded at http://www.teamviewer.com/.

Gamers: Get Ready For The HP Blackbird 002 Dedication Edition

andPOP Staff — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:53:59 +0000

Ten days after the launch of HP’s “Blackbird” CPU, comes the release of the HP Blackbird 002 Dedication Edition. “Dedicated” especially to gamers, the Dedication Edition comes bundled with ” Voodoo Razer keyboard and mouse, Vista Ultimate upgrade, a three-month subscription of Games for Windows Live and an exclusive collection of game software. The “Orange Box” software bundle includes the following game titles: Half Life, Half Life2, Half Life 2 Episode 2, Portal, and Team Fortress 2.”

The specially configured Blackbird comes with an Intel Core Extreme QX6850 over-clocked processor, Dual Nvidia GeForce 8800 Ultra Graphics Card, Vista Ultimate and 2GB of DDR2-800 memory. The unit also comes with a hefty price tag of $5,500 USD, not including speakers or a display.

In case these specks or price weren’t enough, starting October 1st, customers will be able to build their own Blackbird 002 systems online at www.hp.com/blackbird.

The Blackbird 002 will be available at the same address starting tomorrow, September 15th at 2:00P.M. EST.

New SlingPlayer Mobile Software Compatible With Microsoft Windows Mobile 6

andPOP Staff — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:20:34 +0000

New version of SlingPlayer Mobile supports all versions of Windows Mobile 6 allowing customers to watch and control their home TV via a Windows Mobile handheld computer or mobile phone.

SlingPlayer Mobile gives Slingbox owners the ability to watch and control their home TV from a network-enabled Windows Mobile powered device.

SlingPlayer Mobile is now compatible with devices that run Windows Mobile 6 Standard and Professional editions, Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. SlingPlayer Mobile is available for download from Sling Media’s U.S., Canadian, and UK web sites, which can all be accessed from www.slingmedia.com.

Some additional Info:

· New remote control skin with refreshed look and feel.

· Remote control functions for additional A/V devices incorporated.

· Inclusion of a localized UK client utilizing Queen’s English and appropriate channel logos.

· Automatic installer support broadened to include Windows Vista.

Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac Adds 3D Graphics, Snapshots, and Improved Integration between Windows & Mac OS X

andPOP Staff — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 19:57:52 +0000

The release of Parallels Desktop 3.0, which is the first major update of Desktop for Mac since the launch of the Parallels Desktop for Mac in June 2006, introduces over 50 new features, enhancements and improvements for running Windows and Mac software at the same time on a single Intel-based Mac.

The release is anchored by SmartSelect, a new feature that lets users use any OS X or Windows application to open any file type, regardless of whether that file is on the Mac or Windows desktop. Users can select the right application to open a file each time via right click, or can set a default application association to ensure that a given class of file always opens in a specific application.

For example, if a user sets Word for Windows to be the default application to work with .doc, .rtf and .txt files, he or she could simply double click a file with that extension in either OS – even if it is an email attachment in Apple Mail or Entourage – and instantly open the file in Word for Windows.

SmartSelect is also automatically configured to mount and open Mac .dmg installer files in OS X, even if they were downloaded in Windows via Internet Explorer or Outlook, and to automatically open .exe files in Windows, even if they reside in Mac OS X.

“This new version is an important milestone for us helping computer users get the best of all operating systems on a single, seamless desktop,” said Nick Dobrovolskiy, CEO of Parallels, Inc. “With new features that deliver more flexibility, increased security and peace-of-mind, working with multiple operating systems has never been easier, safer, or more fun.”

Core New Features

Snapshots: Save the state of your virtual machine and revert back to that instant at any time.

Security Manager: Manager the level of sharing between Mac OS X and Windows.

Hardware-Accelerated 3D Graphics: Support for OpenGL and DirectX (you can now play Quake, Half-Life 2, WoW etc…).

Parallels Explorer: View and modify Windows without launching it.

Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is available for online purchase at www.parallels.com/en/buyonline, and boxed copies are available at the Apple Store, Fry’s Electronics, MicroCenter, CompUSA, Amazon.com, Staples, Office Depot, select Best Buy locations, and hundreds of other retailers nationwide. The standard retail price (SRP) of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac is $79.99. New users are welcome to test a free, fully-functional copy of Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac for 15 days.

Review: Pzizz Yourself to Sleep, Get Energized, and Feel Great

Daniel Levine — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 01:28:00 +0000

Product: Pzizz
Company: Brainwave Limited
Link: www.pzizz.com
Price: $29.95 per module or $49.95 for two

When I first heard of Pzizz a few months ago before MacWorld, I simply laughed. A program that will play sounds and put me to sleep – could you blame me? And then about two weeks ago I had one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a while.

Research is continually showing that a good nights sleep and napping during the day can be beneficial: “Researchers announced today the results of an a 25 year study on the effects of napping in industrial and post-industrial nations. The study’s outcome was clear – “for 92.5% of workers, an afternoon nap increases their productivity, and their creativity and problem solving skill.” In layman’s terms, they not only get more done, but their work is better, too.” (Dateline: IP Clinic, Marin County, California.)

58 percent of adults report trouble falling asleep a couple nights a week, while 35 percent report suffering from insomnia at least a couple nights a week (http://www.neurocrine.com/ar03/indiplon.htm). In the face paced, demanding world we live in today, those statistics aren’t frighteningly surprising, especially considering I might say I fall somewhere within those statistics.

Pzizz is a simple program, comprising of two “modules”, the Energizer Module and the Sleep Module. Based on user settings, Pzizz will create an audio file (which you can play directly from Pzizz or export for use in iTunes or on an iPod) that help you to, well, get energized or fall asleep.

When creating a new audio file, you can choose which module to use, name it, chose your mix between voice and background music and determine the length of the file (anywhere from 15-60 minutes). Once a module has been created, it shows up in the source list in Pzizz, indicating its name, module type and length. Each time you select a created “nap” from the source list, Pzizz automatically recreates an original audio file for you based on the settings of that specific nap, so that you don’t get too familiar with the audio, which would decrease its effectiveness. This is a great feature, especially when you are considering the value you get for what you pay. When you purchase a tape or CD designed to help you fall asleep or get energized, you’re stuck with one repeating audio file for as long as you chose to use it. With Pzizz, each experience is brand new, the audio files never get dull or old. So while you might get stuck with one recording for a $40 CD, with Pzizz you’re essentially getting millions of combinations.

Overall the software was easy to use, but took a little bit to get used to. If you accidentally download the program without any modules, you might find yourself a little lost. Don’t forget that the sleep and energizer modules have to be downloaded and installed separately (unless you download the bundle). Once you make your first few naps, you should be alright handling the software.

Pzizz is a cross between a coaching system and hypnosis. The actual audio files consist of a man’s voice, speaking phrases such as: “Now, rest is on your mind. But soon, rest will be taken by your body” from the sleep module and “All you need to do, is let your mind and your body get more and more relaxed” from the energizer module. This calming voice is accompanied by even more relaxing music and sounds in the background.

If this all sounds corny, I can’t blame you. I had heard all the same and still mocked the idea of Pzizz. So if I can’t convince you that it works, I’ll go by the old adage, “actions speak louder than words”. Go to http://www.pzizz.com/downloads.asp where you can find a sample 15 minute energizer soundtrack and a sample 15 minute sleep soundtrack to try out for yourself. Keep an open mind and you may be surprised. I’ll wait, go ahead, try it now.

Okay, refreshed? I hope so.

Pzizz is so dynamic its perfect for anyone. Students, business people, on the plane, in the middle of the day, whenever or wherever you like. That’s the beauty of Pzizz, you control how long you nap for. If you find yourself getting less and less yours of sleep every night, or a little too tired in the middle of the day and in need of a refresher, this is going to bed the best $50 you’ve spent in a while. You can’t put a price on feeling great.

Keep in mind that every person responds to things like personal hypnosis differently, some more susceptible than others. Personally, I find the sleep module more effective for myself, but with time I hope to become a better “napper”. I look forward to seeing some new features and more modules in the future.

Product Requirements:

Mac

- Mac OS X 10.4 or later

Windows

- Windows XP / XP Pro / 2000
- 64MB RAM
- QuickTime 6.0.2

For more information, or to download Pzizz, visit www.pzizz.com

Microsoft Planning iPod-Killer

Jeff Justiz — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 19:19:16 +0000

Microsoft has decided to enter the MP3 hardware market. While companies have partnered with Microsoft to develop their own iPod-killers using Microsoft?s Windows Media format, none have succeeded in putting a blemish on Apple?s stronghold. So Microsoft will take a page out of Apple?s books and create a player that will run only their format.

Microsoft is rumoured to have been showing the new player to record companies the last few weeks, toting a bigger screen with a higher screen resolution as well as WiFi capabilities to download music without being attached to a computer, and to allow users to connect to networks with other users and compare tastes and interests.

The player is expected to be released around Christmas, and Microsoft is said to be putting extensive marketing dollars behind it. One of their biggest draws is rumoured to be a free download promotion. Their media software will actually scan a users iTunes folder and look for purchased music, and then offer the user the opportunity to download it free. As if Microsoft hasn?t done enough copying from Apple already, now they?re going to copy your Apple playlist. Microsoft will still pay the required amount to the record labels.

Microsoft responded by saying they have nothing to announce, and that the information of this product is based on rumours and speculation.

Apple Announces Music Phone, New iPod

Jeff Justiz — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 20:26:06 +0000

Apple today held a large press event in San Francisco to update their music offerings for consumers.

The biggest announcement was that of a cell phone by Motorola featuring the iTunes software. The deal between Apple and Motorola was announced last summer, but there were delays in the announcement from earlier this summer that pushed it back to today.

The new phone, called the Motorola ROKR(pronounced “Rocker”), comes with a card that holds 512 MB of music, or about 100 songs.

“The way we think of this phone is, it’s really an iPod shuffle on your phone,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at the announcement.

It is a regular cell phone, but at the push of a single button, the iTunes software comes up. The phone is bundled with stereo headphones, and can be used as a regular MP3 player.

When a call comes in, the music stops where it is, and you are able to take the call. The music resumes in the same place when the call ends. Music can be loaded on the phone using iTunes and the included USB cable.

ROKR features many of the same features that typical cell phones carry today including a camera with zoom and flash as well as video record, Bluetooth (though not for loading music), and talk time of up to 6.5 hours and standby time of 260 hours.

At the announcement, Apple revealed that Cingular will be the exclusive provider of the phone in the U.S., selling it for $249.99 with 2 year contract.

Motorola announced that Rogers Wireless is tabbed to sell the phone in Canada later this month. Pricing and terms were not available at press time.

Apple also announced the iPod Nano will be a replacement to the number one selling MP3 player in the world, the iPod Mini.

The Nano is much smaller than the Mini, though big enough that it still has room for a screen. The Nano improves on the Mini in that its screen is in colour. Whereas the Mini used a regular hard drive, the Nano uses a flash drive like the iPod Shuffle, meaning there are no moving parts in the player’s interior. This means there is no worry of skipping when a person is jogging, and the battery lasts much longer.

Even more remarkable is that the length is about the same as an iPod Shuffle, and it’s even flatter than the Shuffle. However it still uses Apple’s regular dock connector, and has room for Apple’s signature click wheel.

The Nano itself comes in and two colours, Apple’s signature white colour, and a new black colour. It is available immediately in Canada for $249 for the 2 GB model, and $299 for the 4 GB model.

Madonna’s 15 albums are now part of the iTunes Music Store, the same day Apple showed her in a new commercial for the Motorola ROKR.

Apple also added all 6 Harry Potter audiobooks to iTunes, and released a special 20GB iPod with the Hogwarts school crest engraved on the back. They teamed up with car manufacturers Audi, Honda, Volkswagen and Acura to include iPod connectivity options to new cars. And they released iTunes 5, which includes customization for the Shuffle feature, a cleaner interface, parental controls on the Music Store as well as album reviews, and a more powerful search feature. For Windows users, it now allows the ability to synchronize contacts and calendars from Outlook onto their iPods. iTunes 5 is now available for download at www.itunes.com.

Microsoft Announces Longhorn’s Official Street Name

Michael Levine — Fri, 22 Jul 2005 14:10:06 +0000

Microsoft today announced that its much anticipated next generation Windows Operating System update will be officially named “Windows Vista.” The software giant also said that Beta 1 will be available August 3 for IT profressionals and developers.

Vista is scheduled for release during the second half of 2006, some five years after the release of Windows XP.

More information about Vista will be released at Microsoft’s Developer Conference in September.

Vista has already been delayed by more than year due in part to Microsoft’s shift to focus on making security a number one priority.