Final Version Of IE8 FINALLY Released

Microsoft released the final version of Internet Explorer 8 last Thursday at noon. This comes after criticism from the industry towards Microsoft for being behind in browser updates. Internet Explorer 7 was released way back in 2006. Since then, we have seem the birth of Google Chrome, Firefox 3, and Opera 9.6. So why did it take Microsoft so long to develop IE7's successor?

Microsoft released its beta version of IE8 last year and the first RC to the Internet world in January. During this time, I downloaded IE8. I cannot remember which one I downloaded, beta or RC, but what I do remember is how poorly the browser performed. I have ALWAYS stood by Microsoft products and used Internet Explorer since I knew what a computer was. Nevertheless, I was very unsatisfied with my test of IE8. I know, I know, I should not complain about a beta version but give me a break. The browser would not load some sites at all and other sites caused the browser to crash. I had to keep pressing the button that activated "Compatibility Mode" as well. Within a week, I had rolled back to IE7.

I have yet to download the final release candidate of IE8. I hope Microsoft has fixed all the problems I encountered in my test run. I plan to give it another try in the coming weeks.

I understand that everyone else in the world is eating, sleeping, and breathing Firefox but I do not like Mozilla's browser. I never have and I guess I never will. I believe it to be a very reliable and stable browser but I prefer Internet Explorer. I guess I am not use to Firefox and stuck in my ways.

Here is what Microsoft is saying about Internet Explorer 8:

• blocks two to four times the malware of rival browsers
• holds the speed record browsing 15 to 20 of the top worldwide sites
• pages with JavaScript load much faster
• pages with heavy CSS coding load much faster
• feature web slices and accelerators
• available in 25 different languages
• faster page load times than any other browser on the market
• improved Live Search with visual search suggestions

If anyone has any opinions about IE8 or IE in general I would like to hear them!

http://www.dailytech.com/Microsoft+Internet+Explorer+8+Launches+at+Noon/article14620.htm

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface, initially released in early 2008, is gaining more popularity as it becomes available to more individuals. You may remember seeing Microsoft Surface's technology in the hit TV program CSI as well as during the 2008 presidential elections on MSNBC.

Microsoft Surface, code named Milan, is a surface computing platform that responds to a user's hand gestures and real world objects such as cell phone and digital cameras. Surface is similar to a very large touch-screen computer that you can interact with. Most models that have been used for TV shows and news casts have been placed up-right similar to a TV screen but Microsoft Surface is actually manufactured to set horizontally in a coffee table or other flat desk top surface. There has even been talk about placing Microsoft Surface inside kitchen counters of high-tech homes.

Users can interact with Surface by dragging/re-sizing pictures, videos, and programs around the screen and from one device to another without even plugging the devices into the platform. Microsoft Surface theoretically takes digital data and makes it physical again for us to move and manipulate.

Of course, this device is rather expensive and currently available only for use in high-end applications such as TV, hospitals, hotels, and casinos. The going price for a Microsoft Surface platform is between $2,000 and $5,000.

Check out this video of Surface in action! Completely mind-blowing!

http://video.popularmechanics.com/services/link/bcpid932579976/bclid932553050/bctid933742930

The day I get my hands on one of these is the day I never leave home again!!!!

Microsoft Surface Website: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/Default.aspx

Water World Reality

As if exploring other planets and planning to possibly live on them one day is a little too far from civilization for you then maybe this idea will do.

Engineers are planning to build an entire city on the open seas of the Pacific. Although Atlantis type cities have been pondered in the past, recent advances in architectural technology have allowed researchers to develop plans for a floating city off the coast of San Fransisco, CA.

The Seasteading Institute has already assembled a group of architects that have drawn this city complete with homes, factories/workplaces, stores and common areas. The initial city would be a prototype or "test" city that would pave the way for others. The city will be composed of "modular" type building that can be detached from the main city and moved around!

Of course researchers are still trying to develop ways around those pesky open sea storms and the salt water that would nearly destroy everything after years of exposure.

And here is the really interesting news: Seasteading Institute elaborates on the stating, "The new city will sport unique architecture and possibly its own unique government, which could serve as a test bed for social theories. " "The idea isn't just about getting away from rules or getting rid of rules. It's about a system that encourages experimentation with different political systems." "The sea society might offer such changes as the legalization of marijuana, communal IP, and effectively legalizing file sharing." (Notice how it says they ELABORATE on that topic!)

A city filled with people that stay high all day and share Bob Marley songs on Limewire with absolutely no government!

This I HAVE to see.

http://www.dailytech.com/Engineers+Planning+Waterworldesque+Floating+City+at+Sea/article14539.htm

May The Force Be With You

I have never been a really big Star Wars fan but I find it hard to not get excited about a toy that will be hitting store shelves later this year, if you can even call it a toy.

Uncle Milton Industries, a toy manufacturer, will release "The Force Trainer" this fall. This device uses an individual's brain waves to manipulate a ping pong like sphere in a clear 10 inch tube. The object is to "hone" your senses on the ball to make it travel up the tube.

The toy uses a simplified version of EEG medical tests that measures brain waves and transforms them into a physical action. When an individual concentrates hard enough, the brain waves activate a sensor that release air inside the tube forcing the ball up the cylinder. More powerful concentration equals more powerful brain waves resulting in the ball traveling higher in the cylinder. Users can compete against each other to see who can raise the ball higher in the tube with their Jedi-like powers.

The Force Trainer should go for about $90 to $100.

Patrick Swayze and light saber sold separately.

Full story: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2009-01-06-force-trainer-toy_N.htm

Upgrade Or Die!

Stemming from the recent Conficker virus attacks, Microsoft has learned that millions of users are running unsupported operating systems. By unsupported I mean users are running outdated operating systems that Microsoft no longer supplies patches for, specifically security patches.

Microsoft has a detailed operating system life cycle policy but will support their operating systems for roughly five years after its release date. The company provides these updates and patches for free. Once the five year life cycle is reached, the software enters an extended support period where volume licensees can purchase support from the company. Eventually, Microsoft will "retire" the product and cease to provide any kind of updates or support.

I was surprised to learn that so many computer users were behind times. I run Windows XP on my home computer and I sometimes feel "left behind" in the Vista era. I simply refuse to upgrade to a operating system that has had such terrible reviews. Windows 7 will be released soon and I will upgrade after it has been reviewed thoroughly. What if it bombs? I can continue to use XP but its life cycle will end shortly. Windows Server 2003 SP1's life cycle will end in April of this year.

The point I am trying to make is that I feel Microsoft has always been very pushy in making its consumers upgrade. I understand their need to put time and money into new technologies but I feel five years of support is not enough when you are releasing operating systems that tank.

I guess there is always Linux....

Complete story:http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=2205