Xbox 360 NXE Beta expanded to Everybody who applied

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The New Xbox Experience (NXE) is going to be released on Wednesday. Today Microsoft already granted everybody who applied for the beta access to the new Xbox 360 Dashboard update. NXE is a dramatic update to the Xbox 360 making it much more valuable than it is now with Xbox LIVE Party, avatars, and of course Netflix movie streaming.

Also note that Xbox.com and the Xbox forums will be offline for maintenance on Tuesday, November 18th from 12:01am PT until 4:00am PT to prepare for the New Xbox Experience launch on Wednesday the 19th. Via Major Nelson. There were some Xbox Live hick-ups on Monday, but I am actually in good hopes that the NXE upgrade is going to be rather seamless as Microsoft managed to already deploy it to tens of thousands of Xbox 360 players, something they did not with previews Dashboard updates where long downtimes have been criticized. Read more

Posted on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:56:49 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Adobe Releases Public Beta of Cocomo

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Today Adobe introduced a new Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), codenamed Cocomo, that can let developers easily add real-time social capabilities into Web applications via cloud computing. Using Cocomo and Adobe Flex, developers can include collaboration features like real-time audio/video and chat in their existing applications, or build entirely new ones such as multi-player games or social media applications that run cross-platform using Adobe Flash Player or Adobe AIR. Read more

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 02:21:42 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Adhoc Party beta for Sony PSP launches Today

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Sony delayed the Adhoc party service for the PSP in October. Sony announced that the beta of the Adhoc party service is launching today.
By downloading and storing Adhoc Party for PSP beta version to the Sony PS3 you will be able to play PSP software titles supporting ad hoc mode such as Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G from Capcom Co., Ltd and Phantasy Star Portable from Sega. Read more

Posted on Thu, 6 Nov 2008 01:57:39 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Windows 7 Pre-Beta Reviews

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I still remember how excited I was when I got my hands on the beta of Windows NT. Since then many years have past and I do not have the nerves and time anymore to install pre releases of operating systems to see what is coming. These days an OS just has to work and get out of my way.
It's a good thing that others still have the nerves to play with pre-beta operating systems, like the new Windows 7 that Microsoft released last week at the PDC 2008. After all I also want to know if the days of my XP system are going to end soon or not and if the future is going to be a better place. Read more

Posted on Sun, 2 Nov 2008 08:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Windows 7 pre-Beta and Web Office unveiled

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As reported earlier today Microsoft is highlighting Windows 7 at the PDC 2008 conference. The keynote is still going on, but MS already published the Windows 7 pre-beta announcement. Update: See these new Windows 7 User Interface Screenshots.

Microsoft says that Windows 7 is designed to make everyday tasks faster and easier, and make new things possible for end users. Windows 7 will streamline and simplify the tasks people do most often. Improved navigation, a new taskbar and a streamlined user interface put commonly used resources within easy reach. Read more

Posted on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:03:23 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

iPhone Software 2.2 beta 2 and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard hit Developers

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Apple seeded developers with the new iPhone Software 2.2 beta 2 release and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.
The new iPhone 2.2 beta 2 software enables amongst other things Google Street View.

The new Snow Leopard update follows the release developers got back in June.
Not much is known about what the update includes. The next OS X release anyway is not a feature stunner, it is supposed to make Apple computers faster and more robust. Read more

Posted on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 11:27:53 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Multiplayer Xbox 360 Beta for Call of Duty: World at War Launches

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Activision has announced that the multiplayer beta for Call of Duty: World at War is now available for download for the Xbox 360. To get into the beta you need a token, which can be acquired in two ways. The first way is to pre-order the game at GameStop and a token is provided.

The second way is to register at Callofduty.com and wait to see if you get a token. The beta includes Team Death Match, FFA, Capture the Flag, and War modes. Maps included are Castle, Makin, and Roundhouse. Activision says a multiplayer beta for PC gamers is coming soon. Read more

Posted on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:40:50 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Call of Duty: World at War Beta coming in October

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Activision announced today that betas for the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Call of Duty: World at War will be released in October. The betas will allow players a chance at early play to practice tactics needed for the new game.

The game puts players in the pacific and European theaters and has a new squad play system and favorites perk and kill streaks. The official launch of the new COD game will be November 11th on the Xbox and PC. Read more

Posted on Fri, 5 Sep 2008 14:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Resistance 2 Collector's Edition and Public Beta Info Surface

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Information about Resistance 2 Collector's Edition and the public beta has surfaced today. The collector's edition of the game will feature a copy of the game with special edition artwork, a Chimeran Hybrid action figure with Bullseye, a double sided hard cover book with artwork and an exclusive in-game HVAP Wraith multiplayer weapon skin.

A bonus DVD is also included with the game that has behind the scenes info on the making of the game, a digital issue 0 of the comic book, a preview of an upcoming novel based on the game and a timeline movie of the game. Read more

Posted on Tue, 2 Sep 2008 12:58:02 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft releases beta 2 of Internet Explorer 8

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 SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp released on Wednesday a second test version of Internet Explorer 8, delivering a feature-complete upgrade to the world's most widely used Web browser.
The world's largest software maker said the latest version -- beta 2 -- of Internet Explorer, which has a market share of about 75 percent, comes with new features to enhance privacy, ease-of-use, and security.
Read more

Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:32:52 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

IDrive Online Backup for Mac Finishes Beta Period

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Mac users wanting an online backup solution might want to take a look at IDrive. The Pro Softnet Corporation announced that IDrive for Mac computers is now out of beta. The application was released in beta form in April 2008 and is an automated backup application that offers backup and restore functionality.

The application uses a finder Plug-in that mounts the online backup as a volume on Mac OS X and can be used for drag and drop of files from the computer to the web and vice versa. The maker of IDrive says it outperforms other online backup services available for Mac users by 30%. Read more

Posted on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:49:48 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

New Android 0.9 SDK beta released

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Google announces the new Android 0.9 SDK beta. The new Android beta SDK that Google has released is the first big step on the SDK's road to compatibility with 1.0.
Since this is a beta release, applications developed with it may not quite be compatible with devices running the final Android 1.0. However, the APIs are now pretty stable and we don't expect any major changes. Read more

Posted on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

New beta of iPhone 2.1 at Developers

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Developers have been seeded the new iPhone 2.1 Beta 4. Apparently it is missing the push notification service. Apple says that they are further developing the module in parallel.
The service was announced already at the WWDC and should be available fully in September. Read more

Posted on Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 Public Beta Review

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Sling Media released a beta of the SlingPlayer 2.0 beta for Windows.
SlingCommunity published a detailed review of the new SlingPlayer.

Quote from the review: "SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 Public Beta is, on the surface, not entirely different than the SlingPlayer of yore. Yet, when you first start using it, it will feel strangely foreign. Read more

Posted on Thu, 7 Aug 2008 20:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

How to apply for Playstation Home Beta Test

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Sony announces the details on how to apply for the Playstation Home Beta Test in the United States. As reported Japanese PS3 users could already apply for the closed beta of Home in late July.
Later today, the PLAYSTATION Store will be updated with a PlayStation Home theme. By downloading the theme, you are submitting an application to join the PlayStation Home Beta test community. Read more

Posted on Thu, 7 Aug 2008 14:31:13 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Playstation Home closed Beta about to Start

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Sony began taking applications for the Playstation Home closed beta program today. The company is currently only accepting Japanese PS3 owners for the beta program.

Applicants must be over 18 and apply by August 11th to be considered for a random selection to gain access to the new Sony 3D online world. Sony still plans to go open beta with Playstation Home this fall. Read more

Posted on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:00:09 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

iPhone OS 2.1 Beta Firmware already at Developers

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Our friends over at Gearlive report about Apple already sending a new version of the iPhone software update to developers: iPhone OS 2.1 Beta.

iPhone OS 2.1 Beta on first glance includes new features for GPS navigation.
The iPhone OS 2.1 enables you to track the heading and speed of your movement. Read more

Posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:23:30 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Unlimited Closed Beta Underway for MMORPG Pet Game

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When I first read that an MMORPG game based on pets was in closed beta my first thought was why. Why would you want a MMORPG game where you took the form of a pet? I don’t get it, but I guess all those out there who like to dress up their pets in clothes might think this is the coolest game idea ever.

The game is called Pocketpet Journey West and the developer of the game, Perfect World Co, announced today that the MMORPG was now in an unlimited closed beta test which will start on July 17th. An in game item mall will be open during the beta as well. I can only assume you can buy things like chew toys and sweaters for your virtual pet character there. Read more

Posted on Mon, 7 Jul 2008 08:55:54 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

EA The Sims 2 Store Beta Launches

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EA announced that The Sims 2 Store has launched in beta form and is online for shoppers in the US and Canada. The store allows players of The Sims 2 to buy thousands of items for their Sims characters from cloths to furnishings, home office items and more.

Players can register at The Sims 2 Store and download items directly into the game. EA says all players of the game who register will be given 6 new downloads for free. The online store has items from The Sims 2 Expansion packs and Stuff Packs along with new exclusive items not available anywhere else. Read more

Posted on Tue, 1 Jul 2008 11:57:36 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

iPhone SDK Beta 6 released

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Apple moves forward with the iPhone SDK and publishes the 6th beta.

The iPhone Beta 5 SDK was released three weeks ago.
The new iPhone SDK Beta 6 requires the new OS X 10.5.3 that was also released today. Read more

Posted on Wed, 28 May 2008 23:55:25 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

ShowMyPC.com Releases Beta Mac Software

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While Windows users have had access to several different brands of web meeting software for a long time, Mac users have been left out of the action. Today showmypc.com has announced a beta software product that gives Mac users the ability to have web meetings with both Mac and Windows computers.

The application allows more than web meetings with the ability to share the screen of a Mac or PC between users the application can be used for remote troubleshooting. To use the application users go to the Showmypc application and click the Mac link. Read more

Posted on Tue, 27 May 2008 10:12:37 CDT | by Shane McGlaun