MSFT Win8 DVD Playback

MSFT has announced that the new Win8 OS will not come standard with DVD playback. If you want to play DVDs you’ll have to buy a more expensive product. You went out and spent your hard earned money on a new computer with a built in DVD drive and you won’t be able to use it to play DVDs!!

This is yet another move that shows clearly what MSFT’s goal is: get every penny out of your pockets and into theirs. This isn’t a new tactic, MSFT has done things like this for many, many years. Unlike Linux computers, which come with everything already loaded for free, or iFruit computers, high priced but everything is pretty much included, you’re on your own with a WinPC. You’ll have to figure out by trial and error just what MSFT is letting you do and what they want to charge you more money for.

Pitiful, MSFT.

One Day Free Software Offer

Laplink Software, Inc. has announced that on May 15th for one day only it will celebrate its 29th birthday by giving away free software and prizes. 

For 29 years Laplink Software has been a global leader in PC connectivity. Since introducing the signature Laplink Cable in 1983, Laplink’s products have given users the ability to easily connect and transfer data between PCs from individual consumers to large multi-national corporations. And Laplink continues to provide market leading solutions, including its flagship product PCmover, the number one best selling PC migration utility.
               
“Laplink has succeeded because of our loyal customers,” commented Laplink CEO Thomas Koll. “We are proud to complete our 29th year and would like to thank everyone for their continued support. To celebrate, on May 15th we are giving away PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant for free to everyone who visits our website, as well as a chance to win one of 29 great prizes such as a Lenovo laptop.”
               
Anyone interested in entering Laplink’s 29th Anniversary Giveaway can do so by going to www.laplink.com/laplink-turns-29 which includes the complete terms and conditions of the event.
               
“We’ve completed nearly thirty years as a software company, and still many of our early customers remember us fondly for the Laplink Cable,” continued Koll. “But Laplink has expanded its reach into many facets of PC connectivity. For example, PCmover is the number one choice for consumers looking to upgrade to the newest version of Windows as well as businesses looking to cut deployment costs for their next PC refresh project.”
               
PCmover is the only software that moves programs, files and settings to a new PC. With its easy-to-use interface, automated wizard and deep customization PCmover is both simple to use and powerful enough to get any transfer job done.
               
Whether using PCmover Professional for consumers and small businesses or PCmover Enterprise for large corporations, there’s a version of PCmover right for any situation, saving end users an average of $300 per PC.
               
PCmover is available at www.laplink.com or most major software retailers in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan.

Amazon Showrooming

Target stores have announced that they will no longer sell Amazon Kindle eReaders. Target has been the largest brick-and-mortar seller of Kindles but they have been upset with Amazon for some time. The big problem is something called Showrooming.

Amazon encourage buyers to go to their local stores and check out a product in person. This gives potential buyers a chance to actually hold a product and see if it’s what they want. This is where Target comes in. People go to Target, play with the Kindle and, if they decide to buy it, leave the store and buy the product online.

I actually use Amazon.com for a lot of purchases so I can verify that they have lower prices than local retailers. There’s no way a local store can compete on price with a major eTailer. I buy things like lens hoods, lens caps and other photo products because Amazon.com has an enourmus selection and unbeatable prices, often with free shipping and no sales tax.

Target has a real complaint and I’m glad they’re doing something about it. The serious drop in Kindle sales in Q1-12 may give Amazon second thoughts about their sales plan. Sales of Kindles dropped from 17% of the tablet market in Q4-11 to just 4% last quarter. Maybe Amazon should be helping Target make more sales and not try to undercut them.

Samsung Galaxy S III Phablet

Samsung finally took the wraps off the Galaxy S III Smartphone and it looks awesome. I have been using a Galaxy S II for the past few months and just love it. From what I’ve read about the S III they have taken everything I love about the S II and made it even better!

Here are the announced specs:

• 4.8 inch HD (1280×720) Super AMOLED display
• Quad-core 1.4 GHz Exynos processor
• 8 megapixel camera
• 1.9 megapixel front facing camera
• Android 4.0 (ICS) with TouchWiz
• Support for HSPA+ and LTE (varies by market and carrier)
• WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS
• 2100 mAh battery
• 16/32/64 GB memory with microSD slot (supports up to 64GB)

No pricing or release date was announced but I can’t wait to try one out.

Vanguard USA Photo Contest

Vanguard USA Inc., global leader in photo-video accessories, today announced the launch of its 'Tripod Required' Facebook photography contest.

From now through May 23, visitors to Vanguard's page at www.facebook.com/VanguardPhotoUS can enter the contest by clicking on the Tripod Required Photo Contest tab and uploading the best image they have taken that couldn't have been captured without the use of a tripod. Examples of "Tripod Required" photography include, but aren't limited to, HDR, long exposure, panoramic, and macro photography.

After the initial entry period, Vanguard USA will choose five finalists, and the public will be invited to vote for the winning image from May 25 through 31. The finalist  receiving the most votes will be named the winner of the contest and awarded a grand prize package worth more than $500 in Vanguard gear, featuring an Alta Pro 263AGH tripod with pistol grip ball head, The Heralder 38 messenger camera bag, and other photo-video accessories.

"Today's DSLRs help with camera shake and low light, but there are still plenty of amazing images you just can't get without a tripod," said Eric Gallippo, a spokesman for Vanguard USA. "For National Photo Month, we wanted to do something fun that also reminded photographers just how useful tripods are."

Full contest details and rules are available on the Tripod Required Photo Contest Tab on the Vanguard Photo US Facebook page.

Plustek Surveillance System

Plustek Technology Inc. (www.plustek.com/usa), a manufacturer of consumer, prosumer and professional imaging devices, announced today the launch of its new nDVR 540, a digital video recorder surveillance system designed for use with existing CCTV cameras.
     
“This 24/7 surveillance tool can ensure the safety and security of stores, gas stations, small businesses, hotels, offices, etc.,” said Mark Druziak, Plustek’s director of marketing and business development.  “Because it easily integrates with existing CCTV cameras, there is no need for re-cabling, cable splicing or camera recalibration - simply attach the cameras BNC connector to the Plustek nDVR.”
   
The nDVR 540 supports four channel CCTV cameras and because of its H.264 compression, it offers real-time recording and display.  The intelligent streaming provides excellent preview and advanced alarm notifications.  Plustek’s nDVR 540 can be managed by multiple people from remote online locations and from most mobile devices including the Android, iPhone and iPad.
   
The nDVR540 has a built-in Web interface that is used for set-up, configuration, video previews, live view and playback.   PlustekSecurity DDNS service allows for videos streams to be viewed over the Internet.  Using MJPEG and H.264 compression features, the nDVR reduces bandwidth and storage requirements and provides high-quality video streams.  The Plustek nDVR supports up to 120 frames per second, frame and resolution rates can be adjusted for each channel.  Video streams have the option to be automatically or manually backed-up and can be saved to any network storage device.  The internal drive in the nDVR can be partitioned to separate sensitive and/or confidential data to restrict access.  A ten second pre-alarm buffer on event recording prevents the loss of important video and an email notification option can notify security personnel of the alarm.
     
PlustekSecurity also includes Video Management Software (VMS), which supports up to 128 channels and includes video on demand capability.  VMS also allows users to view video channels from multiple locations on one screen.
     
Key Features:

• Small footprint
• Advanced network capabilities
• Compact, fan-less design
• Easy setup with default network settings
• Free DDNS service
• Browser based remote access
• Integrated 320GB hard drive with H.264 CODEC
• Scheduled, motion and event triggered recording
• Multi-site monitoring and management

     
Sales/Purchase Information:
All Plustek products can be purchased from authorized resellers, DMRs, VARs, and distributors NewWave Technologies, Ingram Micro and D&H.  Additional product information and photos can be found by visiting, http://plusteksecurity.com/products/ndvr-and-hybrids/ndvr-540/introduction.html.

NewCo

On April 30th MSFT and Barnes and Noble announced a joint venture temporarily called NewCo. The venture will focus on eBooks and the education market. Basically MSFT is putting up $605 million to finance the venture and B&N will do all the work.

What does MSFT get out of all this? Simple, an app store for Win8. MSFT needs to do something to compete with the iFruit company and their incredibly profitable online sales model. As for B&N they are still losing money every month and the big bucks will be very welcome.

MSFT and B&N also settled their ongoing patent battle as part of the deal. Details were not disclosed but I’m in favor of anything that ends some of the endless lawsuits!