Sneak peek at Windows 8?

Although Windows 8 has not yet been officially announced, several sites are reporting details on key features of the operating system.  The documents, released in the form of slides marked “Microsoft Confidential,” have not been authenticated by CNET, but do use internal Microsoft vocabulary.

Some key new features discussed as possibilities include:

• More secure authentication, with a focus on facial recognition
• Faster start-up times, such that laptops could resume from sleep in under a second
• 3D displays
• Wireless connectivity to TVs
• Compatibility with USB 3.0 and Bluetooth 3.0
• Automatic display readjustment to ambient light
• A possible means of returning a PC to default mode while maintaining all files and settings Read more »

Pulsar launches pause-and-playback-enabled satellite radio

The ability to control your viewing experience via TiVo, pausing, rewinding, and recording at will, has changed the way people watch TV.  Developer Rogue Amoeba has now launched an update for Pulsar, the desktop client which interacts with XM and SIRIUS radio.  Version 2.0 now allows users to pause, replay, and fast forward radio, even when it is being streamed live.

Pulsar is an efficient way for listeners to play satellite radio without using a web browser.  Users have access to information on the artist currently playing as well as artwork associated with that station.  The new version adds the option to pause as well as skip songs, while also giving users the ability to replay a favorite song.  Other options include the ability to easily get more information about a station, and to save favorites. Read more »

Google rumored to take on Facebook with “Google Me”

As with the recent leak of supposed Microsoft Windows 8 documents, a new rumor has set the tech world aflame.  This time, the subject is Google’s supposed plan to take on Facebook with their own social network, “Google Me.”  With recent concerns over Facebook’s privacy settings, and Google’s resources, this rumor could mark a bold new era in the world of social networking.

The rumor originated from a tweet by Digg founder Kevin Rose claiming he had a “very credible source” which said Google would launch their “Facebook competitor very soon.”  Recent circumstances made the claim suspicious, including the announcement of Facebook’s Open Graph feature, which some see as capable of competing with Google.  In addition, Google Buzz, a tool designed for networking and messaging, was integrated into Gmail just months ago.  Google also owns a network called Orkut which is gaining popularity—in Brazil. Read more »

Getting to know the new MacBooks

With all the hysteria surrounding Apple’s new iPhone 4, it’s a good time to look back at the new MacBooks which released in April.  These devices offer many new features to users, and revamp a couple of old ones.  Here’s the breakdown:

• Faster processing speed coupled with longer life
• Sizes ranging from 13-17 inches, with Core i5 processing chips in the two largest models
• Also in the 15- and 17- inch models, new technology which switches between graphics chips: an energy-efficient one for web surfing and e-mail and a high-performance one for video editing or games
• Snow Leopard OS
• “Inertial scrolling” on the trackpad, allowing users to move easily through large documents and libraries Read more »

Death of the mouse (and the keyboard, and monitor…)?

Hardware developers have created several alternatives which may soon make the standard means of computer input obsolete.  The release of a controller-free video game system in November could turn some of these ideas into reality, and make those options already existing even more popular.

The system is Microsoft’s Kinect, a system which relies on cameras to read body movements.  This allows players to kick soccer balls, tickle tigers, and more.  There is also voice functionality, so that saying the words “play movie” will start whichever film the player has chosen. Read more »