Friday, July 23, 2010

Microsoft Uses Forensic Tech To Catch Software Counterfeiters [Counterfeiting]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5594134/microsoft-uses-csi+style-forensic-tech-to-catch-software-counterfeiters

Microsoft Uses Forensic Tech To Catch Software CounterfeitersMicrosoft takes fighting software counterfeiting so seriously that it's looking at crime-scene forensic technology for inspiration. Apparently the software maker is using custom microscopes to match counterfeit discs to their creators—just like bullets to guns:

At a crime lab in Dublin, Microsoft's Donal Keating uses a custom-built microscope to take 72 high-resolution images of a counterfeit software disc. Just as police use ballistics to match bullets to a suspect's gun, Keating, the company's senior forensics manager, will use the abrasions and grooves on the stacking ring, a raised ridge around the disc's center, to match it to other fakes. He'll then try to trace the counterfeit disc to the factory and the crime syndicate that produced it.

In addition to using these specialized microscopes and ballistics matches, Microsoft is also using a technique that "involves identifying digital traces left behind by the laser that stamped the disc."

Surely these techniques are used by large forensic teams, but I'm just picturing a dimly lit crime lab with Microsoft's version of Abby Sciuto telling her boss just where a fishy copy of Microsoft Office was produced. [Business Week]

Image via Fanpop

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Front rendered surround sound is not a gimmick

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/front-rendered-surround-sound-is-not-a-gimmick/

Vizio Soundbar with SRS TruSurround HD
Yes, we know what you're thinking because it is what we used to; but after some extensive testings with the latest SRS front rendered surround sound technologies, we can't call it a gimmick anymore than any other surround sound we've tried. Now that we've gotten that off our chest, we would like clarify what technologies like SRS TheaterSound and SRS TruSurround HD are; both are sound processing technologies that enhance two speaker systems, and while we won't call them a gimmick, we won't be throwing our rear speakers away just yet. That doesn't mean they don't have a place in any home theater, but if you're interested in knowing where they do fit in, well, you'll just have to click through and read the rest for that tidbit.

Continue reading Front rendered surround sound is not a gimmick

Front rendered surround sound is not a gimmick originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:59:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft confirms Windows Phone 7 manufacturers: ASUS, Dell, HTC, LG, and Samsung all on board

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/microsoft-confirms-windows-phone-7-manufacturers-asus-dell-ht/

Microsoft is no stranger to having partners galore in the phone business, but its lineup of manufacturers for the upcoming, surprisingly promising Windows Phone 7 launch is no less impressive. After plenty of rumoring, Microsoft has confirmed that Dell and HTC will be making Windows Phone 7 phones, in addition to ASUS, LG, and Samsung who had already been confirmed. All of these companies should have their stamp on hardware by the end of the year, with the launch of the OS still vaguely slated for the "holidays." We have no doubt that all five manufacturers can build some compelling, sexy hardware, but we're particularly enthused to see Dell really getting into the game after the impressive Streak and that drool-worthy leak a little while back. It's a good time to be alive if you're a person who buys or uses phones.

Microsoft confirms Windows Phone 7 manufacturers: ASUS, Dell, HTC, LG, and Samsung all on board originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:14:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AmpliTube for iPad available, Yngwie Malmsteen en route to Apple Store

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/amplitube-for-ipad-available-yngwie-malmsteen-en-route-to-apple/

Just a quick note for all of you virtual amping enthusiasts: IK Multimedia has announced that the AmpliTube is now available for iPad. As you'd expect, it works with your iRig hardware and the UI seems benefit from the extra screen real estate (let's be honest -- twiddling all those knobs and stomp boxes on the iPod Touch was a little bit much for us to take). It comes in two flavors: free (three effects, one amp, one cab, two mics) or $20 (11 effects, five amps and cabs, two mics). Either way it's cheaper than spending $350 for the OS X version. PR after the break.

Continue reading AmpliTube for iPad available, Yngwie Malmsteen en route to Apple Store

AmpliTube for iPad available, Yngwie Malmsteen en route to Apple Store originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy S review shootout: Captivate for AT&T and Vibrant for T-Mobile

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/22/samsung-galaxy-s-review-shootout-captivate-for-atandt-and-vibrant/

We've got to hand it to Samsung with its Galaxy S line. Coordinating the launch of a single family of devices across all four national US carriers (plus a regional or two) is a feat very rarely accomplished, and usually reserved for really unique handsets that those carriers wouldn't be able to effectively source from anyone else; HTC's Touch Pro2 is a prime example of that. Add to that the murky issue of exclusivity periods... and, well, yeah, Samsung definitely has reason to be proud here -- on the business end of things, anyway. Never mind the awesome contractual maneuvering that undoubtedly took place to make this all happen, though -- we all know that it's the hardware (and software) that really counts. Today we're looking at the first two models of the American run, the Captivate for AT&T and the Vibrant for T-Mobile; Verizon's Fascinate and Sprint's QWERTY- and WiMAX-equipped Epic 4G are still forthcoming, though we expect the Fascinate to be largely similar to these first two.

Beyond their simple appeal as sexy, high-end Android phones, what makes the Captivate and Vibrant especially interesting is that they are actually their respective carriers' only high-end Android phones at the moment. In other words: if 1GHz processors and high-res AMOLED displays are how you roll, these are basically the only game in town if you're on AT&T or T-Mobile -- particularly now that Nexus One sales are winding down. Do they rise to the challenge? Let's have a look.

Continue reading Samsung Galaxy S review shootout: Captivate for AT&T and Vibrant for T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S review shootout: Captivate for AT&T and Vibrant for T-Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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