We fully expected Microsoft put minimal effort into Media Center on Windows 8, but we have to say we didn’t expect it to get like this. It was one thing when our favorite HTPC app didn’t get a single enhancement, but another when it didn’t receive a single bug fix. Now, in the latest Release Preview of Windows 8 the folks at Redmond have gone out of their way and disabled the ability to boot directly to Windows Media Center — a feature required for any proper HTPC build. Another required feature, in our minds at least, is the ability to record TV and use a remote and it seems Microsoft no longer wants any part in that either. Revealed in the Windows Logo Program Newsletter is the sad reality that the ability to test TV tuners and remotes is no longer included in Windows Hardware Certification Kit. This doesn’t preclude someone from making tuners for Windows 8 Media Center, but it certainly does indicate what type of support said manufacturer can expect from Microsoft.
Two more nails in the coffin for Media Center, start-up options and tuner certification originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Just in case the world forgot which phone was first with 2GB of RAM, LG has pushed out another press release for its Optimus LTE2 which ships this week in Korea, just as promised. The detailed specs reveal this version ships with a 4.7-inch True HD IPS LCD, and while many of its specs (8MP camera, 1.5GHz dual-core CPU) are identical to its predecessor, it weighs in at an extra 10g, likely owing to the larger 2,150mAh battery. As mentioned previously it also has support for wireless charging and, naturally, the Optimus UI 3.0 detailed earlier. There’s still no word on when we’ll see this one outside of Korea but for now a few specs and pictures will have to hold us over.
LG’s Optimus LTE2 ships this week in Korea, nails down a few more specs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Still using Windows Vista? XP? Why? Well, whatever the reason, Microsoft has clarified some of their end-of-life dates for older versions of Windows, including XP. This is mostly about support on the business side but it could be useful if you’ve got an old machine that’s acting up (or you refuse to upgrade).
Ed Bott found the actual dates in a Japanese Microsoft blog post:
Support end date for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are as follows:Windows XP 4/8/2014
Windows Vista 4/11/2017
Windows 7 1/14/2020
As he explains, this doesn’t mean you can buy a copy of XP right now for any money but you can get “Mainstream and Extended” support for implementations of the OS. Good to know if you have something mission critical running on an old Compaq.
photo credit: @Doug88888 via photopin cc
YouTube user BD594, also known as James Cochrane, is no stranger to pushing retro tech to its musical limits. Back in 2009 he coaxed a scanner, an Atari 800XL and a host of other antiquated gadgets to perform Bohemian Rhapsody. The results, while certainly enjoyable, were a tad tone deaf. Well, in the years since he’s tweaking his “musicians” and his orchestra has just issued its second single — an stunning rendition of House of the Rising Sun, in the style of the Animals. Seriously, this staple of ’60s high school rockstar wannabes is absolutely nailed by the assortment of hard drives, oscilloscopes and the scanner. Cochrane isn’t alone in his quest to turn obsolete tech into musical magic. Christopher Mitchell managed to hack a Ti graphing calculator and hard disk into a monophonic media player. While his accomplishment is impressive, he loses this round for wasting his skills on the saccharin stylings of Cold Play. Check out both videos after the break.
Continue reading Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video)
Retro gadget orchestra nails House of the Rising Sun, puts your garage band to shame (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink The Verge, Hack-A-Day | Cemetech, BD594 (YouTube) | Email this | Comments
Question by Michael: How to mount a kinect wall mount without screws or nails? The kinect wall mount is perfect for me, but it’s gonna cost me a few holes in the wall unless i find a way around it. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Best answer:
Answer by LanceAlmost any method will cause damage to the wall… screws will actually cause the least amount of damage and can be repaired most easily also it is the most secure method and will ensure that your equipment does not get damaged in a fall…hot glue; wall mounting tape will cause more damage to the wall and is more likely to come loose and damage your equipment
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Related Posts:I have a confession to make: I know a little more than nothing about DSLR cameras. I *think* I know how to use the P setting but that’s about it. Still, like many others, I want art-quality photos so this commercial spot for the Panasonic Lumix G2 is clearly aimed right at folks like me. It’s good.
Question by Be Here Now, Paperbag: “Closer” (Nine Inch Nails), “Paranoid Android” (Radiohead), or “1979″ (The Smashing Pumpkins)? Which of these songs is your favorite?
Best answer:
Answer by Darth OdinCloser, by a lot.
What do you think? Answer below!
Related Posts:As one commenter on YouTube notes, “japan is slowly becoming the best at everything.”
via Nowhereelse
Props to CrunchGear
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This isn’t the first USB drive / Swiss army knife we’ve seen from Victorinox, but the company’s new Secure Pro drive is the first that is supposedly “un-hackable.” To put that claim to the test, Victorinox actually offered a £100,000 prize to a team of “professional hackers” if they could crack the drive during the company’s launch event — they were unable to do so. That un-hackableness apparently comes primarily from the drive’s combination of AES256 technology and fingerprint security, which is paired with (get this) a self-destruct mechanism that irrevocably burns the CPU and memory chip if there’s any attempt to force the drive open. All that and a pair of scissors — how can you go wrong? No word on a release over here just yet, but the drive is now available in the UK in capacities from 8GB to 32GB for between £50 and £180 (or about $75 to $270).
[Thanks, Nikolas R]
Victorinox Secure Pro USB drive is ‘un-hackable,’ can file your nails originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Here’s a question. What use is an iPad if you live IN AN AVALANCHE? Even its high-quality multi-touch screen won’t help it there. And what if you like to SWIM IN POOLS OF MAGMA? How will you check your email then? Not on your Windows Phone! It will have melted! This is why you need the AIS Ultra-Rugged RPDA37!
Are you a cook? Use the RPDA37 as a chopping block! Then crack eggs on it! That last part may not show just how strong it is, but really is a demonstration of how useful a portable corner can be. Devices rarely have corners any more, and that is a goddamn shame. Here are its specs:
- Processor: 624MHz Marvell PXA270 (reliable, you could choke a horse with it)
- Screen: 3.7-inch QVGA/VGA resistive touchscreen
- RAM: 256MB
- I/O: 3 USB, 1 RJ-45, 1 CF slot, 3.5mm headphone, 3.5mm mic, MicroSD, and some other hardcore stuff
- Wireless: Wi-Fi (b/g/n), 3G, Bluetooth (v1.2, baby)
- GPS: hell yes
- Removable battery? Ah jeah.
- SO BIG
- SO RUGGED
It runs Windows Mobile 6.1. None of that pansy 6.5 stuff, this is a no-nonsense machine that can be yours for the low, low price of $1899. I’m so pumped!
In all seriousness, though. This thing would be pretty awesome to have around.
[via Windows Phone Mix and Engadget]
Props to CrunchGear
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