A Firefox Windows Media Player Plug-in...Finally

Yes, finally there is a Windows Media Player Plug-in available for Mozilla's Firefox browser. I've been waiting so long for this plug-in to be available, but now the wait is over, and I can now watch Windows Media videos within Firefox. Therefore, getting rid of the annoyance of opening IE or downloading the file and opening it. Great thanks to Microsoft's open source lab, for making this convenience possible. Download the Plug-in here

Xbox 360 Warranty and Service Enhancements

Today, Microsoft has once again made some changes to the warranty of their Xbox 360. The first, enhancement to the warranty is that Microsoft will waive the shipping fee when the user sends back a Xbox 360 that is still under the original warranty. Microsoft will send the user a postage paid container in order for the user to send the Xbox 360 back to Microsoft, and will also pay the shipping charges that are needed to send the console back to the user. The second enhancement in the warranty is that if Microsoft repairs your console within the original warranty period, the user will receive the balance of their original warranty or a 90-day warranty, depending on which is longer. Hopefully these enhancements are for the good of the consumer and not that of preparation for Xbox 360 Elite recalls. [Xbox.com]

Trojan Hits Skype Users

A trojan horse has plagued Skype users, in the same why in which they are spread through instant-messaging applications. The trojan is received when the user receives a chat message saying "check up this" which is a link to the executable "file_01.exe". Once the machine is infected the trojan will then send the same message to everyone on the user's contact list. Therefore, spreading very easily around the net. In order to remain secure keep an eye out for what chat messages you receive and be timid to click on links in your Skype messages even if they are from your contacts. [C|NET News.com]

Microsoft Crashes PS3 Launch in France

Microsoft managed to spoil Sony's PS3 launch in France. With what you may ask?...a boat with giant Xbox 360 posters. This is quite ingenious, great work Microsoft. I can't wait to hear Sony's response!! [TechEBlog]

Bill Gates to Recieve His Long Awaiting Harvard Degree

Bill Gates, having had to drop out of Harvard during his junior year to work full-time at Microsoft has never received his Harvard degree. His decision is seen as a good one by many, considering that Microsoft flourished.

Gates will finally receive his well deserved degree from Harvard when he speaks at Harvard's commencement ceremony in June. Every person who speaks at the commencement ceremony will receive a honorary Harvard degree. The Honorary Degrees are given for different subjects, but Harvard doesn't release whom will receive the degree for each subject.

Although, Bill is already quite successful he will finally get the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Given that Bill will be stepping-down from his daily duties at Microsoft, this will truly give him a great departure. [Network World]

Adobe Launches Apollo

Today, Adobe has launched their first developer preview version of the Apollo toolset. This toolset will allow web developers to create desktop apps which can interact with any web page on the net.

If you have yet to hear about Apollo, it is a cross-platform runtime library. Apollo will allow for developers to create apps by the means of HTML, JavaScript, and Flash. This would allow for apps to be installed on machines simply buy clicking a download link, then installing to the users desktop. After the install the user can then access the program simply by clicking on the icon on their desktop.

The advantage of this new runtime library tech which Apollo brings is that the application can be ran without internet access. The applications can also connect to web sites adding interactivity, with the user's own PC, and other PCs.

Perhaps, the greatest aspect of this is that Adobe is giving away the runtime free of charge. Meaning more third-party software may come to be seen in the realm of PCs and mobile devices. This new technology differs from its competition because it works on multiple platforms, unlike Microsoft's Windows Presentation Foundation software. Apollo may have a great effect on third-party software as well as for commercial software such as Adobe's "Online Photoshop". All in all, this is a great innovation in software and I can't wait to see what is to come, and I'm sure you'll be as impressed as I.
[Ars Technica]

Windows Vista SideShow Demonstration at CeBIT

To all of you awaiting the Windows Vista's new SideShow tech here's a demonstration showing some of the functions. In the demo "ShinyMedia" shows off SideShow on an ASUS W5FE notebook which features an external display, with an four-way directional pad, its own power button, and a menu button. Enjoy the clip!!! [TechEBlog]