Full FeedMS Office 2010 to be available in beta by November
A public beta version of Microsoft Office 2010 is being released next month. This is another way to build momentum for the release of the productivity software after July’s limited preview of the programs. Features of the new MS Office include screenshot captures, background removal tools, Jump Lists, numerous templates and web based Office applications.
The final release for MS Office 2010 will be sometime next year. Microsoft will also include Microsoft Office 2010 already pre-installed on computers released by major manufacturers. The Starter version will include basic versions of Word and Excel. You can also upgrade by purchasing a license card from an electronics retailer, such as Best Buy.
The announcement came in conjunction with the upcoming release of Sharepoint 2010. Sharepoint 2010 is a type of portal software and also has plans to be available in beta next month. Sharepoint will be a collaboration tool that can streamline communication when paired with Office 2010.
Read: [eWeek]
RelatedOffers and savings for Windows 7
Windows 7 is scheduled to launch this week and different retailers are offering a load of specials on the operating system. If you are interested in updating since Windows 7 has plenty of changes like Jump Lists, 64 bit support and simple Windows Search feature, you can check out some of these special offers.
Best Buy is offering a free shipping offer on customers that pre-order Windows 7. Order the program by 11 AM on October 21, 2009 for guaranteed delivery on the 22nd.
Cost Central has the Home upgrade for Windows 7 available for just $80.14. This is about $40 less than most other online retailers. This version allows for upgrades from Vista or higher. However, the site gives ship estimates between two to three weeks.
For a better shipping option on Windows 7 and still a low price, $99.99, you should check out the site, ZipZoomFly. The site offers shipping within 24 hours of the release date.
Allow Microsoft to update your computer for free. If you purchased a PC with Vista installed after June 26, 2009, you may be eligible for a free upgrade. The redemption details are included in your packaging and available through manufacturers like HP, Gateway, Sony and Dell.
Site: [Best Buy]
Site: [Cost Central]
Site: [ZipZoomFly]
Firefox update postponed for a week, but to offer added Windows 7 support
Mozilla has announced that Firefox 3.6 will not be released this week as originally anticipated. Instead, the new version of the web browser will be available on October 21. This falls on the day before the release of the new Windows 7. The update will include added support for the features integrated into the new Windows operating system.
Firefox 3.6 will include the ability to use Aero Peek, which will allow you to retrieve thumbnail images of all open tabs in the web browser. Currently, thumbnails are only available for the active tab. You will also find support for Jump Lists. A feature that allows you to access links to your most visited sites by right clicking on the Windows 7 taskbar icon. Most significantly, Firefox 3.6 will include an API that can tell the direction your computer is facing. When demonstrated, it shows webpages leveling out even if the computer is tilted side to side.
When the beta version of 3.6 arrives on October 21, you will be able to download the new browser from the Mozilla homepage.
Read: [PC Pro]
RelatedSpoken teams with Microsoft to offer transcribed text voicemail service
The company Spoken has announced its plans to team with Microsoft in order to offer audio to text transcriptions of voicemails. This service will be offered to enterprise customers and will come as an enhanced option on the new Microsoft Exchange Server 2010.
The service is called GotVoice and will automatically convert your audio voicemails to text. Any type of third party voicemail service will be compatible with the program. Options to receive the text transcriptions will include email attachments, text messages sent to your mobile or in the inbox of your GotVoice account. The voicemails will be password protected in order to secure your privacy. You will have the ability to adjust your settings through a secure server on the GotVoice website.
The GotVoice program is being marketed as a cheaper and more technologically advanced form of voicemail transcription. Many programs have a live person transcribe voicemails into text. Spoken’s GotVoice will instead use software as well as a live person for troubleshooting. You don’t need Microsoft Exchange Server to use the service. Business and individual accounts can be opened directly through the site.
Site: [GotVoice]
Image Source: Tech Crunch
RelatedDigi introduces new 3G router with GPS, Wi-Fi and more
Digi has announced their launch of a mobile hotspot 3G router, the Digi TransPort WR44. This router will include Wi-Fi capabilities, GPS functionality as well as security features that promise to keep your data safe. The router is designed for businesses that work in the transportation and sales industries or have a remote office.
You can install the Digi TransPort WR44 in public safety vehicles, buses, trains and vans. It comes with a mounting system and has a rugged design meant to protect it from any rough handling. The network is a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, so users can feel secure about processing payments through the router. It also has multiple serial ports available, including a GPS module, four Ethernet ports and a USB port. You can configure and edit your router settings with the included Remote Manager software.
The current retail price is $895 and you get a five year manufacturer’s warranty with your purchase. Buying information is available through the Digi website.
Site: [Digi]
Image Source: Digi
Free Dictionary.com app now available for BlackBerry
Dictionary.com has now announced the availability of a free app for BlackBerry owners. The download is currently the only free dictionary and thesaurus app available for BlackBerrys. The app includes over 500,000 word definitions and synonyms and is modeled after the current application available for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Besides definitions, the app includes spelling suggestions and delivers a daily Word of the Day in both English and Spanish. Press the audio key and you can hear the correct pronunciation of a particular word. You can save your browsing history in order to quickly access past word lookups. A unique feature for BlackBerry users will be the ability to access the Dictionary.com tools while emailing.
It is expected to be a popular download, especially since Dictionary.com is one of the most downloaded iPhone apps. You can get the application by visiting BlackBerry App World or on the Dictionary.com website. Also, sending a text to 44636 with BBAPP in the body will have the app sent instantly to your BlackBerry.
Site: [Dictionary.com]
RelatedSlim USB data cards released from Kempler & Strauss
The Slim Data USB card from Kempler & Strauss is a super thin storage drive that can have anywhere from 1 GB to 32 GB capacity. It is a plug and play card and has the same size and thickness as a credit card. This feature makes it easy to store in your wallet as you go place to place. It works with Mac, Windows and Linux based operating systems as well as USB 1.1 and 2.0 interfaces. It is a handy solution for individuals and businesses that need to bring their files on the go.
Kempler & Strauss’s slim USB data card has won the award for best novelty accessory at this year’s CTIA. The card won the award after votes were cast by industry reporters and analysts. It is anticipated that the card will be a hot buy for the holidays.
The most widely available version of the Slim Data USB card is the 4 GB and can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon.com. Retail price for the Slim Data 4 GB is $24.99.
Read: [PR NewsWire]
Image Source: Geeky Gadgets
Pay $60 a month for unlimited talk and text with the AT&T GoPhone
AT&T has just announced that as of October 12, 2009, GoPhone prepaid customers will have the ability to access unlimited text messaging and talk time for the low monthly price of $60. Not only will the plan include texting to people in the United States, but in Canada, Mexico, and another 100 countries.
The goal of AT&T is to give their prepaid customers the option of unlimited text and calling without the requirement of an annual contract. To sign up for the new plan, users can simply call “611” from their mobile phones. Some examples of AT&T prepaid phones you can use with the new plan include the LG Neon, Nokia 2600, and Samsung A177. You can manage your plan options online through “Pick Your Plan.” This feature allows you to pay each month in advance without a deposit or credit check.
As prepaid calling plan prices drop and become competitive with contract rates, more consumers may make the switch.
Site: [AT&T GoPhone]
Image Source: Engadget
Nuclear batteries coming soon to power your gadgets?
Researchers from the University of Missouri are now working on bringing nuclear powered batteries to the masses. The goal of the engineers is to create batteries that are longer lasting, lighter, and smaller. These new batteries will use liquid semiconductors instead of traditional solid semiconductors. According to Jae Kwon, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at MU, “The nuclear battery can provide power density that is six orders of magnitude higher than chemical batteries.”
The prototype that the team is currently working on is about the size and thickness of a penny. Kwon assures that the nuclear battery would be safe and points out how nuclear energy has powered underwater systems and space satellites in the past.
The researchers have applied for a provisional patent and hope to improve their design even more. Ideally, Kwon hopes that they will be able to make the battery hold even more power and have the dimensions as small as a strand of human hair.
Read: [University of Missouri]
Image Source: Gizmodo
RelatedThe FTC’s crackdown on bloggers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a new set of rules for bloggers, which will require them to reveal any paid endorsements that they receive. For instance, if you receive money from a company to review their product and post the review online, you will have to disclose this information in your post. Any free products will need to be revealed as well, since the FTC counts these “gifts” as compensation.
Bloggers will not be the only ones covered under this new regulation. Prominent users of social network sites, like Twitter and Facebook will also be forced to follow these new rules. For instance, if a famous band refers their Twitter followers to a resort that they stayed at for free, they must disclose this information on their Twitter page. Corporate affiliations must also be revealed in the new rules. If you are raving about Mac OS, you better let your readers know that you work for Apple.
The bottom line? Keep your ethics in line by admitting to any money or products you may receive when publishing online.
Read: [PC World]
Image Credit: Call Fire
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Palm Pre Information & Updates
Palm just introduced their next-gen smartphone, the Palm Pre, and next-gen operating system, Palm webOS. Gadgetell's got the latest Pre and webOS information and news for you right here.
