An Ubuntu user manages to download Windows Defender and other software using IE4Linux and WINE.

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

We know Microsoft loves TV, between its UltimateTV and Foundation set-top box businesses, continued commitment to the Media Center platform, impending Xbox 360 IPTV rollout (and current downloadable video content over Live), and its nascent Microsoft TV IPTV biz. In fact, it’s pretty clear that connected television is the direction the company thinks the medium is headed, and it seems ready to make another push on its core IPTV platform (Microsoft TV IPTV Edition) to the masses by rebranding it as Microsoft Mediaroom and expanding its functionality. The new version of the platform, announced today, features picture in picture (with “enhanced MultiView”), networked media sharing, interactive services, and finally supplementary digital terrestrial television support. Will it affect you, the end user? Only if you’re lucky enough to live in one of the select few markets that has IPTV integration — none of us are, and we’re none too bitter about it, too.

[Thanks, Arneh]

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Cellphones

Finally, the fricking Mogul is announced. We’re pretty tired of talking about this phone — now it’s time for the device to stand on its own two feet — er, soft keys. Specs away:

• EV-DO Rev. 0 (Rev. A comes later with a software update. Tres lame.)
• 400MHz Qualcomm CPU
• 64MB RAM, 256MB ROM
• 802.11b/g, Bluetooth 2.0
• 2 megapixel camera, microSD, 1500mAh battery
• 4.3 x 2.3 x 0.73-inches
• $399 + two year contract, available in July… or right now

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Thought it was rather clever.

Filed under: Desktops, Misc. Gadgets, Laptops

As the two giants edge closer onto each of their respective core markets, the tension gets more pronounced: just last week Google pointed to the integration of search into Windows Vista, claiming to the Dept. of Justice that it discourages people from using other solutions (like Google’s Desktop Search) and violates the company’s agreement with the Government. This week, Steve Ballmer called the complaint “baseless,” and said that the company is in complete compliance with the agreements it has with the U.S. Government. In any case, Microsoft is fighting a losing battle, with Google able to use the DOJ as a router for its claims, and Microsoft then forced to defend itself on two fronts. Maybe it might be a good time for Microsoft to consider a policy of opening its platforms a little bit: it’s not like the opponent (this time around) is going to go away anytime soon.

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!