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Will Windows XP Ever Die?

Published by on February 20th, 2012 | No Comments »

No matter what happens, it seems to be that Windows XP is immortal. Today, Microsoft very quietly extended support for Windows XP. Not only did they extend XP’s lifespan, they also gave Windows Vista and Windows 7 a nice extension.

A post on a Japanese Microsoft blog translated with Microsoft’s own service, reads this:

It’s about the product support life cycle policy changes of the Windows client OS (2/2012)

Changed the lifecycle policy for extended support, Microsoft provides a consistent customer use Windows client operating system (OS) services. Will be applied the extended support for Windows 7, Windows Vista consumer products.

Available service packs for Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 product currently supported this change’s customers are subject to up to 10 years of security update provides will regardless of the Edition.

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

With Windows 8 due this year, it’s interesting to see what Microsoft is doing for their support. XP has already avoided death a few times due to the unhappiness of consumers with Vista. To see Microsoft put a support announcement that runs through 2020 is amazing.

Don’t get confused with sales support and OS support.  Windows XP and Vista are no longer available for purchase, this is merely how long Microsoft plans to keep updating these Operating Systems and offering support.

What do you think about the extension of support for these Operating Systems? Did you see this coming? Leave your thoughts in the comment section.


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Xbox “720″ to feature touch-screen remote?

Published by on February 13th, 2012 | No Comments »

With touch-screen devices in their all time high, it would only make sense to include one in the next generation Xbox.  Xbox World magazine has published some rather bold claims about Microsoft’s upcoming game console.

According to the publications sources, the Xbox 720 is rumored to have a “souped-up” controller that features an HD touch screen in addition to the traditional analog sticks and buttons.  The overall design is very similar to the Nintendo Wii U’s own tablet controller, though the Microsoft version is said to be closer to Sony’s PlayStation Vita, in size.

Along with upping the overall gaming experience, this Xbox touch-screen controller also doubles as a TV remote control, a Web Browser and a panel for displaying software buttons and game information.  Believe it or not, this could be a revolutionary change.

What are your thoughts about the rumored Xbox “720″ touch-screen controller?  Good or bad?  Leave your thoughts!


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Windows 8: Farewell to the Start Button?

Published by on February 7th, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Windows 8, the next version of Microsoft’s PC operating system, will be a humungous change to those who have been use to all the previous versions.  At first glance, this new operating system may be overwhelming with their UI based around tiles, similar to the Windows Phone interface.

Like I have said, this may be overwhelming but think about it, the Windows flag which represents the Star button is starting to get a bit old.  First introduced with Windows 95, the Start button has gone through several changes but keeps the same basic look that we are all familiar with.  By the looks of things, this flag may be going away, as well.

A report by Tom Warren describes that Windows 8 Consumer Preview maybe delete the Start button entirely.  Tom Warren beings to explain…

“We have confirmed with sources close to Microsoft’s Windows 8 development that a hot corner has replaced the Start button orb. A thumbnail-like user interface will appear in Metro or desktop mode, providing a consistent way to access the Windows desktop and Start Screen in Windows 8 regardless of touch or mouse input. The new interface is activated on hover from the lower-left corner of Windows 8 and includes a thumbnail preview of where you will navigate to after clicking on the new visual element.”

The Star Screen Tom Warren is referring to is the tile-based default screen that I mentioned earlier.  It’s important to note that the Start button’s demise hasn’t been confirmed by Microsoft.

The first Windows 8 beta, Windows 8 Consumer Preview, is set to be released later this month.  With this being said, will you be giving Windows 8 Beta a try?  Do you think this will be a huge change in UI for Microsoft?  Do you feel this will lead Microsoft to a spiraling downfall or a skyrocketing moon landing?

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Next Xbox Won’t Play Used Games

Published by on January 25th, 2012 | No Comments »

According to the title of this article, I’m not even sure how to start this post.  Typically, I have something useful to say but this just blows my mind.  We keep seeing a bunch of rumors about the next generation Xbox to be 6x faster and much more but this is the first time I’m hearing about this.  According to some rumors, the next generation Xbox won’t be able to play used games.  How is this even possible?

To some degree, I can see this being very plausible.  With the gaming industry taking a huge leap in quality, the next Xbox might feature Blu-Ray support.  Now that may sound like a lot like Sony and their Playstation but Microsoft might put their own twist of things on it.  Our sources don’t clearly indicate what that may be.

The main thing from what we have heard is that Xbox will feature something called the anti-used game measure.  Basically, this will make it impossible to play older model or used model games on the new version of Xbox.  This makes me throw my hands up and scratch my head.  Why on earth would Microsoft do this?  How would they even make this possible?  I wish we could answer these questions for you but we are just as lost as you are.

Out of these two rumors, I believe the first one the most.  Having Blu-Ray on the Xbox was something that has been missing for a few years.  It was only a matter of time that it was added.  The fact that we might not be able to borrow titles from our friends or even buy preowned titles at GameStop is making us completely lost.

Is it possible that Microsoft is trying to make it so only the consumer can play the game and stay with your piece of software and force others to purchase the game?  What if we wanted a free trial of the game?  This basically means we can’t even bring our games to a friend’s house to play for the night.  If we wanted to do that, we would have to bring our actual system.  I’m sorry Microsoft, but if this is true, why?!

What do you think on this matter?  Are you for it or against it?  Leave your thoughts in the comment section.

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Microsoft looking to create Xbox TV Service?

Published by on September 29th, 2011 | No Comments »

Microsoft is said to be planning a Web-based pay-TV service that it can build onto its Xbox Live platform.

The software company is in talks with two dozen content companies, as well as Comcast and Verizon Communications, according to a Bloomberg report. The menu of programming will include music, movies, sports, and TV shows.

Last week, the blog Digiday, citing anonymous sources, reported that Microsoft was nearing a deal with Comcast that would allow Xbox 360 owners to sign up for the cable provider’s service and watch its programming from the game console. CNET blogger Don Reisinger wrote, “Microsoft unveiled its live-television service at the E3 gaming expo in June. Although the company provided few details on the service at the time, Microsoft said that it would ‘partner with TV providers’ for its offering.”

The Hollywood studios have long tried to persuade Microsoft to use Xbox Live and the company’s successful Xbox video game console into taking a larger role in distributing content. Xbox Live already offers movies and TV shows for rent and purchase.

Bloomberg wrote that Microsoft also expects to sign licensing deals with Time Warner’s HBO cable channel, Sony Pictures’ Crackle streaming service, and NBC Universal’s Bravo network.

Add Microsoft to the group of companies trying to cut into Netflix’s large early lead in online-video distribution. Netflix’s decision to raise prices and spin off DVD operations has many customers canceling their service and many investors selling off shares. The stock hit a new 52-week low today, at $112.

Microsoft is expected to make its live-TV service available this fall.

[via cnet]


Skype for Mac Gets HD Calling & OS X Lion Support

Published by on August 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

After a few weeks, Skype has finally added HD Calling and OS X Lion Support.  This was long overdue since OS X was updated.

Apple users can finally enjoy the HD Calling that Windows users have been enjoy for a long time now.  Skype is calling this update 5.3 since it was next in line.

A representitive from Skype reports:

Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X is built to work with Apple’s newest desktop operating system, Lion, in addition to being compatible with past versions of OS X going all the way back to Leopard.

With Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X, you’ll also be able to send and receive HD quality video when talking to your friends and family. You’ll need to use the Mac’s built-in webcam or choose from a variety of webcams from our Skype Shop, such as the Logitech C910, to make video calls in crystal clear HD quality. To receive clear HD video calls on your Mac, we recommend an upload/download speed of 1.5Mbps.

Just last month, Skype 5.2 for Mac added group screen sharing for customers with premium subscriptions, as well as a revamped call control bar with support for video calls. Skype has also been hard at work on its offerings for Apple’s mobile platform, finally releasing Skype for iPad one week ago.

If you are using OS X Lion or an Apple computer, are you happy for these updates?  I know many users on Mac have been waiting for some time for this HD calling.  Are you excited to try it out?  Leave your thoughts in the comment section.

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Fruit Ninja comes to Xbox

Published by on August 8th, 2011 | No Comments »

Fruit Ninja is a very successful fruit-slicing game on the iOS devices.  The game is very pointless but it’s so addicting.  It’s a $.99 and to many, it’s over priced but for how many times you will play this game, it’s perfectly priced.  Now that this game is very successful, it is now making its debut with the Xbox 360 Kinect.

The game is played in the same fashion that the application is played in.  The only difference is that instead of using your fingers, you will achieve your goals with karate chops and Kinect motion controls.  This game has a number of different modes from Classic, Arcade and Zen mode and also offers a Challenge mode and a Multiplayer Mode.

Fruit Ninja for the Xbox 360 is a lot harder than playing on your handheld device.  It’s not as accurate as a touch screen device but it’s still pretty decent with following your arm movements.  For a price point of $10 bucks, it’s a must have to have a blast and watch your friends embarrass themselves!

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Matchmaking Outage on Xbox Live

Published by on August 7th, 2011 | No Comments »

If you are an avid gamer with Xbox Live and play Halo: Reach and Call of Duty Block Ops, you may have been very annoyed the other night.  Across the North America, there have been reports from several locations that suggest that these two “most played” Xbox Live titles may have been experiencing a prolonged outage of matchmaking.  In a simple definition, players could not join any matchmaking matches.

This has not been addressed by Microsoft at this point in time.  I know this post is short and simple, but if you are a user of these games and are getting annoyed, at least you know other people are coming across these issues.

Are you being affected by the outage?  If so, how are you coping?

 

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Logitech M705 Review (With Bloopers)

Published by on July 26th, 2011 | No Comments »


After months of owning this mouse, I finally get around to creating a product review of the Logitech M705 Wireless Mouse. It’s a great mouse once you get use to the product. At first, it feels small and takes sometime to get use to because the laser sensor is on the side of the mouse. After using the mouse, you get use to it and navigation is simple and seamless.

This mouse is also great for travel purposes with the build in USB Receiver “holder.” You are able to bring this mouse anywhere with out the bother of getting cords tangle for picking up the wireless signal. It’s also cross-platform with Windows and Mac.

I give this mouse an overall rating of 8/10. Looks great, feels great, works great but has that huge flaw with the laser sensor. If you’re a gamer, I would NOT recommend this mouse. If you are an everyday user, this mouse will do you great. I’m sitting in the middle with this mouse with all my video editing and web design.

If you have any great recommendations for a mouse, please let me know. Have you used this mouse? What do you like about it and what do you dislike about it? Leave your comments in the comment section.

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Dell claims to have the thinnest laptop: FALSE

Published by on May 23rd, 2011 | 1 Comment »


Dell is a high named brand for their Windows computer but they aren’t known for miss advertising. Dell claims that their new laptop is the thinnest laptop in the world when they are completely wrong. I believe Dell forgot about the real thinnest laptop which is the MacBook Air. If you even want to go farther, the new Unibody MacBook Pro’s are thinner than the new “Thinnest 15-ince PC on the planet” by Dell.

I won’t argue with the fact that this new Dell Laptop isn’t thin at only .97 inches but compare that to the size of the MacBook Pro and you are .02 inches off. The MacBook Pro is .95 inches thick. Now, if that .02 inches doesn’t bother you but the weight does, think about this. The dell is actually slightly less in weight than the MacBook Pro.

With all this being said, Dell has misleading advertising. It’s not a HUGE deal, but it is false. Although, this laptop is the thinnest made by Dell, maybe that’s what they were getting at.

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Microsoft Acquires Skype

Published by on May 10th, 2011 | No Comments »

Yet again, another Skype post!  This morning, Microsoft announced that it will be acquiring Skype, the worlds leading VoIP client, for $8.5 Billion!  This will make a completely new business division within Microsoft.  Along side of this, the current CEO of Skype, Tony Bates, will become the president of the new division.

Microsoft issued a huge statement this morning, in which it indicated that it will “support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.”
What are you immediate thoughts about Microsoft buying Skype?  Do you think the VoIP Client, Skype, will improve?  What changes do you think we will see, if any?  Leave your thoughts in the comment section.
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The TechJohnson Show: Episode 1

Published by on March 23rd, 2011 | No Comments »

Host: Steve Johnson of www.TechJohnson.com

Special Guest Host:
Jase Rossi from The VideoGame Mafia Show

Show Notes:

AT&T buys T-Mobile for $39 Billion

Sprint Evo 3D by HTC

Firefox 4 launches into a tougher, faster world

Amazon opens its Android Appstore

Thanks to our sponsor for this episode:
GoDaddy.com

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Xbox 360 to Computer Monitor Clarification/Q&A

Published by on January 13th, 2011 | 1 Comment »


During this video, I clarify somethings with everyone as well as answer some popular questions with this video. Enjoy!

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Xbox 360 RRoD Fix

Published by on June 11th, 2010 | No Comments »
I was playing my Xbox today perfectly fine. I shut it off and didn’t play for about five or so hours. Then, I put in a new HDMI cable to get HD for my Xbox and it started up fine and was working well. It automatically adjusted to 720p. I decided to go into the System Settings and see if I can put it on 1080i to get better quality and when I did so, it worked. It worked until I went back to my dashboard and everything was funky and then the Xbox shut off and had one Red Light flashing. It said it was the E74 Error. I was searching Google on how to fix it and the best way is to ship it into Microsoft and have them repair it. I can’t do that because I painted my Xbox and I don’t have money for get it fixed or to buy a new one. Does anyone have any idea as to how I can play my Xbox 360 again?

Xbox 360 Games

Published by on June 4th, 2010 | 1 Comment »


I play the Xbox 360 like thousands of other people. I decided to do an update of my Xbox 360 games from my older video. Not many have changed, but there are a few extras. I hope you enjoy!


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