News…Reviews…all about tech!

AshMan says…

A little while ago I posted some leaked screen shots from Halo Reach, which promised a even better graphics, and a new story set before the original trilogy. A new trailer is now available.

Halo is one of those video games which has reach legendary status and raises the bar every time a game is released. Halo is known for how fantastic it looks graphically, the story which not only is fantastic but makes you want to look deeper into the universe and the multiplayer.

A World Premiere trailer has been released and gives a brief look into the new set of characters which you will possibly be playing in the game.

Linked below is the trailer in HD, so feel free to sit back and watch this fantastic trailer.

The BETA for Halo Reach Multiplayer also goes live next year, to be apart of that you need a copy of Halo 3:ODST so if you don’t have it grab a copy from below!

AshMan says…

Whilst the rumor mill is working hard around the Apple tablet device, Microsoft has been working hard on one of their own.

At the moment it’s called the ‘Courier’ and is in the “late prototype” stage. The device itself features dual 7-inch screens which are multitouch, perfect for writing, flicking and drawing with a stylus and your fingers.

Microsoft 'Courier' Source: Gizmodo

Originally the device was top secret which was only known to a few engineers and executives.

They are currectly collaborating with another firm called Pioneer Studios, who have put together the video. This demo gives a look around the device and what it can do.

The heritage of Microsft revolves around very much with “digital ink” and this interface is unlike anything else. Ideas from both the Surface and Zune HD can be seen.

AshMan says…

Students in Australia, US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Korea and Mexico will all be able to purchase the upgrades to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional for a significantly reduced price.

Prices haven’t been confirmed for Australia yet, however in the US and UK the upgrades will be on sale for US$30 and £30 respectively. To be eligable for the discounted price you are required to have a valid student email address (an email address provided to you by your university)

You can find some more information at the Windows UK and Windows US sites.

Windows 7 Upgrade to be only US$30 for students with a valid email.

AshMan says…

It has taken seven years to finally finalise the new wireless networking standard 802.11n (six from the first draft).

Meru Networks published a blog breaking the news. The blog displays an email sent by Bruce Kraemer (Chairman of the 802.11n Task Group) to other group members regarding the approval.

The final approval of the standard will likely be formally announced on the 15th of September.

802.11n is now the fastest standard coming in at 300 megabits per second, with 802.11g coming in second at 54 megabits per second.

Draft N no longer

It is also reported that all Draft-N wireless products will work with devices the finalised version. There is also word spreading around that most (maybe all) Draft-N products can be upgraded to the final version via a simple firmware update.

AshMan says…

Microsoft has just announced The Windows 7 Family Pack.

This will allow you to install the operating system on three home PCs at a lower price. There are a number of online retailers offering the Family Pack and it is priced at approximately US$145. Originally this offer was going to be released on the 18th of October before the public release on the 22nd of October, so this is a bonus!

Windows 7 Family Pack Offer

Another change to the Family Pack is its availability; it will now be available to North America, Europe – the U.K, Ireland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden.

If you only need a single license however, you are still able to order one from online retailers including Amazon and of course, the Microsoft Store.