| Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support May 4th 2012, 00:21  Many in the Windows Media Center community were afraid that Windows 8 would mark the end of Media Center, while others thought it would be like Notepad -- present, but unchanged. In the end both were wrong as Microsoft announced Media Center would be available as an add-on to Windows 8. Until now though, we didn't know exactly how that process would work. Steven Sinofsky outlined on the Building Windows 8 blog how users will be able to use Add Features to Windows 8 in Control Panel and purchase the same great Media Center experience that was included in Windows 7 Premium and Pro. The price is still unannounced but is expect to be "in line with marginal costs" -- whatever that means. The price paid will cover the royalties for the required codecs to support broadcast TV and DVD playback (DVDs still won't play in Media Player). One codec that will be supported in all version of Windows 8, but will require the computer maker to license the codec directly, is Dolby Digital Plus. So yeah, something else that was included in Windows 7 for free. We're glad it's there, but wish we'd get something new for the new premium price. Like most, we'll probably hold on to our Windows 7 HTPC a little bit longer. Continue reading Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support Microsoft breaks down Windows 8's Media Center upgrade path, Dolby codec support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 20:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  Building Windows 8, Dolby | Email this | Comments | | HTC launches kickstand-tastic One S cases, we go hands-on May 3rd 2012, 23:54  Kickstand lovers rejoice! Not content with jazzing up its One X flagship, HTC just sent us a set of cases made specifically for its lovely One S. These come in four colors -- gray, granita (red), navy blue and black -- the latter featuring a tweaked design with an integrated kickstand. Unlike most third-party products, build quality is top-notch -- the accessories use a precision-molded flexible plastic shell covered in a soft touch finish. The kickstand is made of a metal alloy and is spring-loaded, but blocks access to the micro-USB port when in use. While the cases protect the back and sides of the One S, the front remains exposed to potential damage. Availability is slated as "soon", but pricing is $24.99 for the plain model and $39.99 for the kickstand version. Enjoy the gallery below. HTC launches kickstand-tastic One S cases, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | | Email this | Comments | | LG announces Optimus LTE2, coming to Korea mid-May with True HD IPS and 2GB RAM May 3rd 2012, 23:31  Unlike today's other phone announcement, we can't say we were expecting to see LG come out with something of its own -- and it's a bit of a doozy, at that. Samsung's Korean rival decided not to let the Galaxy S III have the full spotlight for long, officially unleashing the Optimus LTE2. The mind-blowing portion of the spec sheet is its inclusion of 2GB RAM, a milestone we haven't yet seen in a smartphone. Additionally, the LTE2 will feature the company's "True HD IPS" display, WPC-backed wireless charging capabilities, Android 4.0 and a 2,150mAh battery that LG claims will increase the battery life by an astounding 40 percent. We haven't received word on which CPU will be used, though we're hopeful that a quad-core beast (or Krait, perhaps?) will complement the astounding amount of RAM. The LTE2 is due to land on at least three carriers in Korea sometime in mid-May, but we haven't heard any pricing or additional country availability at this time. We'll keep you posted as we learn more. In the meantime, check out LG's Flickr page down below for more images, and start thinking of ways to take advantage of the extra horsepower. LG announces Optimus LTE2, coming to Korea mid-May with True HD IPS and 2GB RAM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | LG (translated) | Email this | Comments | |
