Avira AntiVir Personal is a free version of Avira anti-virus product which provides basic anti-virus and anti-spyware protection against dangerous viruses, worms, Trojans, malware, spyware and costly dialers. Avira AntiVir Personal is good and free, except that it always pops up and displays annoying nag advertisement screen which persuades users to upgrade to paid premium edition of Avira product.

The notification message, or rather the pop-up ads, of free edition of Avira Anti-Virus product displayed whenever auto-updater runs to update the anti-virus signature database, which is a daily routine. Thus, the upgrade to Avira AntiVir Premium or Avira Premium Security Suite pop-up notifier window is shown everyday from notification area (system tray).

The Avira upgrade pop-up notifier “almost full screen” nag screen is the job responsibility by avnotify.exe. It’s possible to disable and remove the annoying Avira popup nag screen by using one of the following methods. However, do note that the hack below is violating free Avira AntiVir EULA or license terms.

Method 1: Disable or Restrict avnotify.exe From Running or Executing with Local Security Policy Editor

Hint: Local Security Policy settings are among the security settings contained in the Local Group Policy Editor GPO. Thus, it works only Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate Edition and Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate Edition, which has Local Group Policy Editor support.

1. Run secpol.msc, or alternatively, go to Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Local Security Policy.
2. Try to expand the Software Restriction Policies tree branch. Skip this step if both “Security Levels” and “Additional Rules” sub-branches are already created below Software Restriction Policies already.

Else, right click on Software Restriction Policies and select New Software Restriction Policies.
3. Right Click on Additional Rules and select New Path Rule.
4. Enter the full path to avnotify.exe in the Path: text box. It’s possible to click on Browse button to locate the avnotify.exe exectable.

Typically, avnotify.exe is located in %SystemDrive%\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avnotify.exe or %SystemDrive%\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe. In 64-bit OS, Program Files folder should be Program Files (x86) instead.
5. Set the Security level drop-down menu as Disallowed.

6. Click OK when done.

Method 2: Disallow or Disable avnotify.exe From Running or Executing with Local Group Policy Editor

Hint: Similar to Local Security
Policy Editor, Local Group Policy Editor is only included in some Windows versions. Thus, it works only Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Windows Vista Business, Enterprise and Ultimate Edition and Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate Edition.

* Run GPEdit.msc.
* Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.
* Double click on Don’t run specified Windows applications setting.
* Click on Enabled radio button if it’s not yet enabled.
* Click on Show button.
* Type in avnotify.exe in the Value column.

* Click OK when done.

Method 3: Remove Execute Permissions on avnotify.exe

Hint: Works in most editions and versions of Windows. Some system may requires user to login to Safe Mode (restart computer and press F8 to select Safe Mode) to perform operation below.

1. Sign in to Windows desktop using the Administrator account.
2. Open Windows Explorer.
3. Navigate to the folder location for avnotify.exe.

For Avira version 9, it’s likely to be C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir Desktop\avnotify.exe and C:\Program Files\Avira\AntiVir PersonalEdition Classic\avnotify.exe for earlier version. Note that 64-bit operating system should navigate to Program Files (x86) folder instead.
4. Right click on avnotify.exe and select Properties.
5. Go to Security tab.
6. Click on Advanced button.
7. Under Permissions tab, click on Change Permissions button (only if applicable), and then select and highlight SYSTEM user, and click on Edit button.
8. Tick the Deny check box for Traverse folder / execute file rights.

9. Click OK when done.

Tip: In 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 or Vista, it’s possible to directly deny Read & execute permission in Security tab. However, some users reported that doing so may cause Avira to request for system reboot after each update.

Method 4: Suppress Avira Notifier Popup Nag Screen with Registry Registration Files

Hint: Works for all editions and versions of Windows.

Copy and paste the following code into a text file, and save it as with a file name with .reg extension. Then run the file to merge the value to system registry. Note that user may need to change the code below to reflect the actual path to avnotify.exe located on local system.

For Windows 7:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\safer\codeidentifiers\0\Paths\{60973e1d-3660-4012-856a-97a92f467003}]
"LastModified"=hex(b):b7,94,f1,01,52,26,ca,01
"Description"="Disable Avira PopUp"
"SaferFlags"=dword:00000000
"ItemData"="C:\\Program Files\\Avira\\AntiVir Desktop\\avnotify.exe"

For Windows XP und Windows Vista:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\safer\codeidentifiers\0\Paths\{f2425885-ad5b-4f27-bdff-9b0a7aba5940}]
"Description"=""
"SaferFlags"=dword:00000000
"ItemData"="C:\\Program Files\\Avira\\AntiVir Desktop\\avnotify.exe"

Method 5: Change Update Job Frequency to Daily At A Particular Time

Some users reported that changing the the Avira update job with frequency set to Daily at a particular time can eliminate Avira notifier pop up window. It’s also possible to edit the existing update to this mode.

Most people who purchased games online or in store normally does not keep track of the serial number, registration code or CD key on DVD/CD case which used to install, activate or unlock the games, until when it’s about time to reformat or reinstall Windows. For people who misplaced, lost or forgotten the serial keys or registration information of the installed purchased PC games, Game Key Revealer can help to retrieve or recover the license information.

Game Key Revealer is a software utility that retrieves the CD-key and serials for installed games on computer. Essentially, Game Key Revealer is pretty much the same application with many software application which reveals, retrieves, or recovers application’s serial code or product key, such as Keyfinder Thing, Recover Keys and License Crawler, but its main focus is on games.


Features of Game Key Revealer:

• Scan and display serial keys of more than 1000 games.
• Save to Text or Word (Word XP and above).
• Print.
• Portable app.
• No installation required and can be ran directly.

The games (and its developer or publisher) that are supported by Game Key Revealer, are including the following, as an example:

10tacle Studios
- GT Legends
- GTR 2

Activision/id
- Call of Duty
- Call of Duty: United Offensive
- Call of Duty 2
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Call of Duty: World at War
- Doom 3 (key location)
- Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil (key location)
- Quake III Arena (key location)
- Quake 4
- Return to Castle Wolfenstein (key location)
- Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix (key location)
- Star Trek: Elite Force II
- Star Trek: Starfleet Command III
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
- Tony Hawk’s Underground 2

ATARI
- Act of War: Direct Action
- Act of War: High Treason
- Terminator 3: War of the Machines
- And some other games

AxySoft
- Some games

Crytek
- Crysis
- Crysis Warhead
- FarCry

Electronic Arts
- Battlefield 1942
- Battlefield 1942: Secret Weapons of WWII
- Battlefield 1942: The Road to Rome
- Battlefield 2
- Battlefield 2: Special Forces
- Battlefield 2142
- Battlefield Heroes
- Battlefield Vietnam
- Black and White
- Black and White: Creature Isle
- Black & White 2
- Black & White 2: Battle of the Gods
- Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
- Command and Conquer: Generals
- Command and Conquer: Generals Zero Hour
- Command and Conquer: Red Alert
- Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2
- Command and Conquer: Red Alert 2: Yuri’s Revenge
- Command and Conquer: Red Alert 3
- Command and Conquer: Renegade
- Command and Conquer: The First Decade
- Command and Conquer: Tiberian Sun
- Command and Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath
- Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars
- Cricket 2002,2004,2005,07
- Crysis
- Crysis Warhead
- Dead Space
- F1 2000,2001,2002,Challenge 99-02,Championship 2000
- FIFA 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,06,07,08,09
- FIFA Manager 06,07,08,09
- FIFA World Cup 2002,2006
- Freedom Fighters
- Global Operations
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Harry Potter Creator
- Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup
- Madden NFL 2002,2003,2004,2005,06,07,08,09
- Mass Effect
- Medal of Honor: Airborne
- Medal of Honor: Allied Assault
- Medal of Honor: Breakthrough
- Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault
- Medal of Honor: Spearhead
- Mirror’s Edge
- MVP Baseball 2003,2004,2005
- MySims
- Nascar Racing 2002,2003
- NASCAR SimRacing
- NASCAR Thunder 2003,2004
- NBA Live 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,06,07,08
- Need for Speed Carbon
- Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 2
- Need for Speed Most Wanted
- Need for Speed ProStreet
- Need for Speed Undercover
- Need for Speed Underground
- Need for Speed Underground 2
- NFL Head Coach
- NHL 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,06,07,08,09
- Rail Simulator
- Rugby 2004,2005,06,08
- Shogun: Total War
- Shogun: Total War: Mongol Invasion
- Shogun: Total War: Warlord Edition
- SimCity 3000 Unlimited
- SimCity 4
- SimCity 4: Deluxe
- SimCity 4: Rush Hour
- SimCity Societies
- SimCity Societies: Destinations
- Spore
- Spore Creature Creator
- Spore Creepy & Cute Parts Pack
- The Lord of the Rings: Conquest
- The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle Earth I,II
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rise of the Witch King
- The Sims (almost all series)
- The Sims 2 (almost all series)
- Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,06,07,08,09
- Total Club Manager 2002,2003,2004,2005
- UEFA Champions League 2004-2005,2006-2007
- UEFA Euro 2004,2008
- And some other games

Epic Games
- Unreal Tournament 2003-2004

Eugen Systems
- Act of War: Direct Action
- Act of War: High Treason
- The Gladiators

Funatics Development
- The Settlers II: 10th Anniversary
- Zanzarah

GameHouse
- Some games

Iron Lore
- Titan Quest
- Titan Quest: Immortal Throne

JoWooD
- Industry Giant 2
- The Nations
- And some other games

KONAMI
- Pro Evolution Soccer 4,5,6,2007,2008,2009
- Winning Eleven (almost all series)

Lionhead Studios
- The Movies
- And some other games

LucasArts
- Star Wars Battlefront 1,2
- Star Wars Empire at War
- Star Wars Empire at War: Forces of Corruption
- Star Wars Republic Commando

Microsoft
- Age of Empires II (PID key)
- Age of Empires III
- Age of Empires III: The WarChiefs
- Age of Mythology
- Dungeon Siege 2
- Halo
- Rise of Nations

Oberon Media
- Some games

PopCap Games
- Some games

Reflexive Arcade
- Some games

SEGA
- Medieval II: Total War

Sierra/Valve
- Caesar IV
- Contract J.A.C.K.
- Counter-Strike
- Empire Earth III
- Gunman Chronicles
- Half-Life
- No One Lives Forever 2
- TimeShift
- World In Conflict
- And some other games

Techland
- Call of Juarez
- Chrome
- GTI Racing
- Xpand Rally
- Xpand Rally Xtreme

THQ
- Company of Heroes
- Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts
- Dawn of War
- Dawn of War: Dark Crusade
- Dawn of War: Soulstorm
- Forged Alliance
- Frontlines: Fuel of War
- MotoGP 2007
- S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
- Supreme Commander
- Zanzarah

Ubisoft
- FarCry
- Peter Jackson’s King Kong
- Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones
- Rainbow Six III RavenShield
- Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
- The Settlers II: 10th Anniversary
- And some other games

Once user clicks on “Find Games” button, Game Key Revealer will scan and crawl the computer for all game keys or serials. Game Key Reveals supports almost all versions of Windows, including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008.

Download Game Key Revealer: GameKeyRevealer.zip

Vue is a 3D software package for the creation, animation, and rendering of natural 3D environments. Vue is available in six versions: xStream, Infinite, Complete, Pro Studio, Esprit, and Pioneer, Vue Pioneer been the edition with fewest feature sets. Although at the low end range of Vue series of product, Vue Pioneer is a great way to learn 3D, and fully functional to compose and create 3D landscapes with ability to select the best point of view and render hyper-realistic images of landscapes in moody atmospheres.


Features and Usage of Vue 8 Pioneer:

• Create amazingly detailed 3D Worlds in any style – photo-realistic, illustration, fantasy, abstract with no drawing skills required.
• Produce images in superb photo-realistic quality and vibrant colors for print and web.
• Bring to life stories, comics and cartoons, poems or games.
• Create still and animated backgrounds.
• Illustrate presentations and documents.
• Simulate geologically realistic environments, from archeologically accurate worlds to a possible evolution of the Earth.
• Easily create professional 3D titling effects for own videos and DVDs.
• Invent original wallpapers and screensavers, posters, postcards, calendars, stickers.
• Represent yourself, your friends and family in the most exotic and fantasy worlds or funny situations – travel to deep and savage mangroves or desert islands lost in the ocean.
• Design original websites.
• Create dazzling animations – animate user entire world, from the smallest plant to the biggest cloud and walk, drive and fly through them.
• Wide selection of presets.
• Unrivaled natural 3D creation power.
• Renders at Full HD resolution.
• Direct access to Cornucopia3D content.
• One click to create a terrain, one click to grow a new plant, one click to add 3D text, etc without worry about perspective, lighting or shadows.

Vue 8 Pioneer is developed by e-on software for Cornucopia3D, and is now available as freeware. Vue 8 Pioneer is derived from the research e-on software makes for the high-end products it sells to large special effects studios. Vue 8 Pioneer is full version product which different from PLE (Personal Learning Edition), which is a trial version with watermarks on the renders (although there is logo imprinted). Vue 8 Pioneer, which can be used forever, also can be upgraded to higher end versions of Vue, and user can exchange scenes with other Vue users.

Vue 8 Pioneer Limitations:

• Pictures carry a logo.
• Cannot import 3D models.
• Vue 8 Pioneer is for home use only.
• Vue 8 Pioneer is provided “as is”, without any technical support.

Vue 8 Pioneer can be downloaded from cornucopia3d.com. Vue 8 Pioneer setup installer is available for 32 and 64-bit Windows versions and Universal Mac builds. User will have to create a Cornucopia3D account (if you don’t already have one) to use the product.

Direct Download Links for Vue 8 Pioneer: Vue8Pioneer.zip

If you are a Gmail user and would like to have more customization on how its interface looks like, here is a simple Mozilla Firefox extension that can simplify the steps. Named as Minimalist Gmail, it allows users to remove any labels and customize Inbox view so that you can stay more focus on email contents without being distracted by unnecessary advertisements, action buttons and etc.

In order to enable this feature, just download the plug-in and once you have installed it, restart the Firefox web browser and you will notice a tiny menu ‘Minimalist Gmail’ appears at the upper right corner. Click on it will prompt up a menu that allows you to control the Inbox View as well as the overall interface of your mailbox. By ticking/un-ticking on the box besides each item, users can customize it including header, footer, buttons, labels removal, sidebar and even hiding advertisement for a much streamlined interface depending on own preference. Besides, there is a way to toggle the header to be on or off by clicking on the grey arrow at the upper left corner directly.

This could be quite useful especially when you are browsing on a tiny screen nettop and would like to give every inch of your display to useful contents by hiding those unrelated one. Do get a free download here at no cost for immediate use.

IOBit will give away its Advanced SystemCare PRO for 24 hours randomly starting from a random time between 20 November and 27 November as a ThanksGiving gift/present. Advanced SystemCare PRO (formerly known as Advanced WindowsCare Professional) is a Windows system utility which provides an always-on, automated, all-in-one PC Healthcare Service with anti-spyware, privacy protection, performance tune-ups, and system cleaning capabilities.


This powerful utility has been designed to fix stubborn errors, cleans out clutter, optimizes internet and download speeds, ensure personal security and maintains maximum computer performance automatically.

Key features of the Advanced SystemCare PRO version 3:

• Designed for the latest Windows system environment, speeds up PC and improves reliability.
• Powerful hard drive defrag and optimization.
• Next-generation registry deep clean and optimization.
• Automated working in the background.
• Defends PC security with extra protection.
• Quick and extensive clean-up for hard drives.
• Keeps PC running at peak performance.
• Fixes multiple system errors.
• 100% free 24×7 Technical Support and community support.

To grab the free Advanced SystemCare PRO v3 1 year license serial code which normally cost $29.95 (aff) to purchase, just head to the following URL “frequently” between 20 November to 27 November, 2009.

http://db.iobit.com/license-free/asc-free-license.php

Or check back this page or subscribe to My Digital Life comments feed or follow My Digital Life comments tweet so that when somebody posts about the availability of the free giveaway, you are in the know.

a-squared Anti-Malware provides Comprehensive PC protection against trojans, viruses, spyware, adware, worms, bots, backdoors, keyloggers, rootkits, tracking cookies, and dialers. a-squared Anti-Malware is one of the best anti-virus and anti-spyware product solution in the market, which despite its name, can scan, detect and clean both viruses and malware (malware is termed as malicious software).



Features of a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5:

• 2 cleaning scanners in 1: the a-squared Anti-Spyware, and the Ikarus Anti-Virus engine.
• Performance improvement with the integration of the two engines on the lowest level.
• 2 guards against new infections: signature scan + behavior analysis.
• Typical ways of infection are disabled in advance such as websites that try to plant Trojans or Spyware or that offer deceptive contents are blocked by the surfing protection.
• Signature updates at least 5 times per day.
• 2 ways of removing Malware are better than one: automatic and manual cleaning.
• Malware-IDS and Background Guard protection technology stops malware before it has a chance to becoming active and harmful on PC.
• Application rules to protect specific programs from third-party manipulation.
• Ability to decide what programs are allowed to start and what actions may be performed.
• Extended program help.
• Community based help with decisions to provide a recommendation based on the decisions of other users when an alert is raised.
• Explorer integration – right click scan.
• File guard that checks programs while startup.
• Includes a-squared HiJackFree and a-squared Commandline Scanner.

A one year subscription license of a-squared Anti-Malware typically costs $40. However, the developer is going to start an exclusive promotional offer which will giveaway one year (12 months) free license for a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5, the latest version of the popular security tool. Actually, the promo works in such a way that a discount code worth $40 can be used to offset any a-squared Anti-Malware order. The $40 discount effectively makes the 12 months subscription license free, and other packages of a-squared Anti-Malware license cheaper by $40.

The free 1 year a-squared AntiMalware 4.5 offer is only valid for 24 hours, starting from 11:11 (CET) on Wednesday, 11th November 2009. In order to get the license, user will need to register an account with emsisoft.com, which will later be used to unlock and activate the full version a-squared Anti-Malware for 1 year. More details at http://www.emsisoft.com/en/order/24h/.

Download the a-squared Anti-Malware 4.5 full setup installer: a2AntiMalwareSetup.exe

This offer is valid for 24 hours only commencing at 11:11 (CET) on Wednesday 11th November, 2009.

a-squared Anti-Malware runs on Windows XP, Vista, 7 as well as on 2003/2008 Servers in all 32 bit editions. On x64-systems the scanner and OnExecution guard work very well, but the behavior blocking module (Malware-IDS) does not run currently.

The global leading maker of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle peripherals, Razer has released its new optical gaming mouse, named as Razer Abyssus, which is equipped with ultra-responsive buttons tuned for maximum tactile feedback, featuring a state-of-the-art 3500dpi Razer Precision 3.5G infrared sensor engineered with No Drift Control, aiming for absolute freedom of movement.



“Less is more. We’ve taken our ambidextrous three-button mouse design and loaded it with our industry-leading technology without the added cost of too many bells and whistles,” said Robert “Razerguy” Krakoff, president of Razer. “Our goal with the Razer Abyssus is to give competitive gamers access to gaming grade hardware without breaking the bank.”

Main Features And Technical Specifications Of Razer Abyssus:

• Uncompromising 3500dpi Razer Precision 3.5G infrared sensor ensures true freedom of movement
• 3 buttons tuned for ultra-responsive feedback
• 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
• Easily accessible mechanical dpi (450/1800/3500) /polling rate (125/1000Hz) switches
• On-The-Fly Sensitivity adjustment
• Always-On mode
• 16-bit ultra-wide data path
• 60-120 inches per second and 15g of acceleration
• Scroll wheel with 24 individual click positions
• 3 independently programmable Hyperesponse buttons
• Zero-acoustic Ultraslick Teflon feet

The new high-precision Razer Abyssus gaming mouse which measures 115(L) x 63(W) x 40(H) mm is available for around $50.

AT&T might be suing Verizon for misrepresenting its network in ads, but that doesn't seem to have dissuaded Beg Red from using that same map image in this new spot, which casts the iPhone away to the Island of Misfit Toys. Hard to argue with the premise, but here's the real question: why not just sack up use a real iPhone, instead of this KIRF piece? Check the ad after the break.

Update: Two more ads after the break -- "Blue Christmas" and "Elves." In case you were wondering, it's a sunny 70 degrees in early November in New York and Chicago, which is just about perfect for Christmas ads.

Computer performance can easily get degraded with growing of junk files in your system over time. There are some utilities available in the market that can help you clean it up but in case you are not truly satisfied with any of them, why not give this utility a trial? Named as DiskMax, it is a free utility that can be used to maximize hard disk utilization efficiency by removing unwanted files from your Windows system.


Designed in user-friendly interface and is easy to be used, it is bundled with 3 types of scan profiles namely Quick, Standard and Detailed. Scan profile is a collection of scan sections and so with different profiles cover different type of scan sections, you can choose any one of the profiles based on your personal preference. Once after launched, you will be asked to choose respective scan profile and it will start the scan process accordingly. During the scan process, ‘user prompts’ will be popped up when DiskMax is unsure of your preference, just choose Yes or No and it will continue with the decision you provided. However, if you don’t want the ‘user prompts’ to be popped up in the future whenever DiskMax is executed, make sure ‘Remember my answer’ is selected so that the answer will be kept for future reference. A quick report is displayed each and every time the scanning process is completed. The report will summarizes number of files have been deleted, space has been recovered, number of files to be deleted when Windows is restarted, space that will be recovered when system is restarted, total space has been recovered and total time taken to complete the scanning process. Besides, DiskMax will generate a log file which contains a detailed report such as what are those files that have been deleted, and you can easily get the log file under the name of DiskMax Log.txt at user profile directory. For instance, C:\Users\MyDigitalLife\DiskMax Log.txt for Windows Vista and C:\Documents and Settings\MyDigitalLife for Windows XP. The contents of the log file will be erased during the next run of DiskMax.

Below are the summarize features of DiskMax:
• Empty recycle bin, delete installation leftover and debugging information.
• Clear user’s History, Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, error reporting logs and etc.
• Clean up Windows cache, internet logs, repair information, DLL caches, Logs, temporary files and windows update roll-back files.
• Cleans up after Vista SP1/SP2 install.
• Delete registry entries for multiple Most Recently Used lists.
• Remove all files type such as log, old, prv, chk, swp, bak, gid, wbk, tmp and dmp. Howerver, this action is optional and you can choose to not remove them if you would like to keep them for troubleshooting.
• Defragment Hard Disk space.

DiskMax 4.15 is absolutely free for download and is compatible to run in Windows XP/2003/Vista and even Windows 7. Download it at here to ensure your PC is always in optimum performance for much more effective work in daily life.

Microsoft distributes a stability and reliability update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, KB974431, which intends to improve the stability and reliability of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2 in various scenarios, such as missing characters in Microsoft Office-created PDF file, blank screen is displayed on computer with secondary monitor or does not have Physical Address Extension (PAE) enabled when resuming from hibernation, Windows Media Player playback issue and end entity certificate installation failure in IE.


However, when Windows Update installing KB974431 update, the following error message may be displayed when Windows is configuring the updates after system reboot, and the installation of the update fails, with error code
of C004F050.

The error happens because the Windows operating system cannot pass genuine Windows validation (WGA). KB974431 incorporates a built-in mechanism which check for genuineness and authenticity of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 OS installed on the PC, before it allows itself to be installed. If the validation fails, or return invalid or not genuine status, installation of KB974431 will fail.

Here’s how to fix KB974431 installation failure due to 0xC004F050 error:

1. Run command prompt
window as administrator.
2. Run the following command to reset all system files to default and clean the system from hack or crack:

sfc /scannow
3. If activation grace period has expired (e.g. black background desktop), run the following command to rearm Windows to extend activation grace period for another 30 days (i.e. genuine for another 30 days):

slmgr /rearm
4. Restart the computer.
5. Run Windows Update to install KB974431 update again.
6. If Windows loses activated status, perform activation again.

If the above resolution does not work, try to uninstall any previous Windows 7 activation crack or loader or hack to bypass Windows 7 activation that has been installed previously manually. Worst scenario, user will probably need to in-place upgrade Windows 7 again by select Upgrade installation to have a new, clean, legit Windows 7 installed with all applications and data migrated automatically.

The joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone, Verizon Wireless has launched the new sleek, compact and stylish LG Chocolate Touch music-oriented phone, which includes patented Dolby Mobile technology to deliver a dramatically richer listening experience thanks to its potent bass and sparkling clarity, ideal for music enthusiasts who like to enjoy music on the go.


Key Features Of LG Chocolate Touch:

• 3.2 megapixel camera with video recorder, auto-panerama mode, and Intelligent shot for enhanced image quality
• 3-inch TFT touchscreen display (400 x 240 pixels) with vibrating response
• Built-in Song ID and FM radio with 12 presets
• Easy access to favorite songs thanks to dedicated side key
• Dolby Mobile equalizer enhances the listeners experience with Sound Space for Headphones, Natural Bass, High-Frequency Enhancer and Sound Level Controller
• ‘Join the Band’ function allows users to use their fingers to tap on a full drum kit complete with snare drum, kick drum, floor tom, hi-hat cymbal, ride cymbal, crash cymbal, and even cowbell
• Dedicated social networking shortcut key allows users to upload pictures and videos to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace
• and other social networking sites
• Stereo Bluetooth and 3.5mm headphone jack
• 1GB on-board memory, upgradeable up to 16GB with microSD memory cards
• Usage time: up to 5 hours ; Standby time: up to 20 days
• Dimensions: 109 x 56 x 13 mm ; Weight: 119 grams

LG Chocolate Touch multi-featured touch screen phone is now available at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and www.verizonwireless.com for $79.99, after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new 2-year service contract.

Canon's EOS 7D is a pretty grandiose piece of image-recording equipment, whether you're talking about its size, features or price. You're probably aware of the 18 megapixel APS-C sensor and dual DIGIC 4 processors already, but we've all had to be a bit more patient than usual in waiting for the pro reviews to come out. Dpreview doesn't disappoint though, with a thoughtful 31-page tome awaiting the keen reader, and we've also got more digestible video reviews from DPhoto Journal for the less patient among you. If you're after direct comparisons against competing models, such as the Nikon D300s, you'll find those sprinkled in among the reviews as well, with Cameratown throwing in a direct head-to-head with Canon's own 5D Mark II. The 7D was found to produce "virtually no visible noise" all the way up to ISO 1600, and scored further points for its gorgeous 100 percent frame-covering viewfinder and fast 19-point AF. With a weather-sealed, highly ergonomic body design, ridiculously fast processing and a sensor so good that "in most situations the lens, rather than the camera, is likely to be the limiting factor," the only thing reviewers could criticize was the somewhat uncompetitive pricing, but that's likely to soften with time anyway. Read on... if you dare.

Read - dpreview review
Read - Photography Blog review
Read - Tech Radar review
Read - DPhoto Journal video roundup
Read - Cameratown comparison with 5D Mark II

Enjoy your Apple TV? Not so fond of your data picking up and vanishing whenever it darn well pleases? Then you'll probably want to force your Apple TV to update to 3.0.1... assuming you've already upgraded it to 3.0, of course. According to the engineers in Cupertino, this update prevents content "from temporarily disappearing until re-synced," and we're guessing that most of you would rather keep your content around if possible. Tap the read link for all the instructions, and whatever you do, don't make any sudden movements.

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Just weeks after Palm's Pre sunk to CAD $149.95 on Bell, the outfit's first-ever webOS phone has now stooped to just CAD $99.95. That still requires a 3-year contract, of course, but man -- a single bill for a smartphone like the Pre? Anyone tossing out guesses on how long it takes Sprint to follow suit (and embarrass the Pixi)?

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Windows 7 displays the system activation status in System Properties, which can be accessed via Control Panel -> System and Security -> System. However, sometimes, Windows activation may display error message which saying activation status not available, together with product ID which is also not available.


When user run slgmr -dli or slmgr -dlv commands to verify the activation status of the Windows 7 system, the following error will occur:

On a computer running Microsoft Windows non-core edition, run ’slui.exe 0×2a0×80070422′ to display the error text.
Error: 0×80070422

On running slui.exe 0×2a0×80070422, the following error message is described:

Error 0×80070422: The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.

The error potentially affect Windows 7 from activate properly. The error happens because Software Protection
service (sppsvc.exe), which enables the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications, is disabled or prevented from running properly. If user ran Windows 7 WAT disabler or removal crack before, the service likely to be disabled.

So, to fix the activation status not found or 0×80070422 error on SLMgr command, enable and turn on Software Protection service. Set it startup type to Automatic (Delayed Start), and then error should be fixed immediately.

Despite already has perfect and reliable Windows 7 activation crack based on royalty-OEM mechanism, hackers have managed to come out with a new activation crack method as an alternative to BIOS loader and OEM BIOS mod, which effectively bypass the activation requirement of the installed Windows 7 system, by removing and disabling Windows Activation Technologies (WAT).

The hack works to “activate” Windows 7 by bypassing activation altogether, and thus does not require any product key. Previously in Windows Vista, the attempt to permenantly bypass Windows Vista activation by stopping activation grace period countdown timer has been unsuccessful and foiled by Microsoft with anti-crack update.

In Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, hackers attempt to block access of Windows Activation Technologies, comprising of SPP (Software Protection Platform) and SLC (Software Licensing Client), which manages and handles licensing and activation matters on the operating system to the core components or files which are required for its operation. By blocking, preventing, removing and disabling access to or loading of the activation and licensing related system files, SLUI will fail to start, causing activation been circumvented and Windows does not need to be activated anymore, for forever and permanently.

For example, the commands that been used to restrict access to Windows Activation Technologies (WAT) system files are:

takeown /F %WINDIR%\System32\sppcomapi.dll
icacls %WINDIR%\System32\sppcomapi.dll /deny *S-1-1-0:F

Where sppcomapi.dll is the library which controls most of the SPP functions, so nullifying this DLL disables all activation and licensing related functions. And as the activation functionality is disabled completely, the activation grace period (for free evaluation) does not matter anymore, although it may still continue to counting down to 0 days.

The crack is possible probably due to leniency allowed on the part of Microsoft on activation mechanism to avoid getting too many false-positive or complaint on activation error. However, by disabling and turning off the activation component of Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, after the free trial evaluation activation free period of 30 days is expired, nag screen to notify and remind user to run genuine Windows and activate Windows 7 may appear from balloon tip at notification system tray, or when launching to run NotePad, WordPad, Calculator or even when opening Control Panel. Besides, there may be desktop watermark of this copy of Windows is not genuine appearing at four corners of the screen, and system cannot pass WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) validation which requires prior to install non-critical updates from Windows Update and some certain programs in Windows 7, such as Microsoft Security Essentials.

Thus, various hackers have came up with tools or utilities which deals with all “side-effects” that follow after activation scheme in Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 is disabled and removed, so that Windows OS will continue to operate as it should (no automatic log off or shutdown), no nagging pop-up messages, no use genuine Windows or activate Windows now notification dialog box, and most importantly, pass WGA validation and permanently no product key required to activate the system.

Currently, two leading Windows 7 non-loader crack is RemoveWAT and Chew-WGA. Both tools initially start with different approach, but have since used rather similar crack method, as bugs are discovered and fixed. Another crack tool, Win7X Genuine Updates (Win7XGU) does not fully automate the process by requiring users to perform several steps to get genuine status, further signifies how difficult for hackers to tamper with Windows licensing system.

RemoveWAT, developed by Hazar and nononsence is a Windows 7 crack that completely removes Windows Activation Technologies from the system so that users can validate the illegal pirated copies of Windows 7 as genuine status (some reported as “Tampered Binary” in MGADiag due to patching), forever and permanently. RemoveWAT supports both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) and all editions of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

RemoveWAT, which has been refreshed to RemoveWAT v1.9, also stops sppsvc service and patches DLL files such as slwga.dll, sppcomapi.dll and systemcpl.dll, where the last one removes the whole Windows activation section from the Control Panel’s System Properties. RemoveWAT also support silent install with /s switch, and can be integrated to Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 installation DVD.

Chew-WGA is a similar Windows 7 crack which is designed to test the security resistance of various software protections
built into Windows 6.1.x operating systems. It works by restraining certain components of the software protection platform. Other than restricting access to sppcomapi.dll file, Chew-WGA also patches many SPP related files.

Chew-WGA, which currently updated to Chew-WGA v0.9, will make the system to return activated status, and Windows is activated message is displayed in Control Panel’s System Properties.

As crack based on removal of activation component involves patching, changes and modification to many system files, it’s likely to be easily detected and nullified by Microsoft, especially in next WGA update or Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. In fact, Software Protection Platform (SPP) has been effectively to counter unauthorized edit of system files, which may result in features or functionality of Windows been deactivated, reduced, disabled or removed, causing various error message when user wants to perform certain action. Thus, the cracks should never be executed on a system intended for continual use, and should only be used to extend the evaluation period to avoid reinstallation. In fact, to use Windows operating system any longer than 30 days, users should purchase a license.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purpose only.

Have you ever wished that you could share the precious moment you are experiencing with loved ones? While taking photos enable you to share it with others, the poignancy and significance of the moment cannot usually be conveyed as photos are not viewed in real time. Isabella Products is set to change all that. The recent announcement of its partnership with AT&T will pioneer the way for the first two-way touchscreen fully interactive photo frame.


The cellular-connected Vizit digital photo frame allows users to receive images via email
, MMS, Internet sharing sites, or Vizit-to-Vizit. The device features a 10.4 inch touchscreen LCD and a GSM/GPRS module which enables the sharing of images via the cellular network. When a photo of a newborn is taken, the proud parents can send the image to all their family and friends who will receive the photo instantaneously. The recipients can send replies upon receiving the photo on the Vizit display or forward the photo to others. Vizit can help users who lead busy lives to create a private network to share their lives and narrow the distance between one another.

Vizit features a simple and user-friendly interface. Images sent to a Vizit display will be automatically adjusted to fit the LCD to portray quality photos. A single touch to the screen will pause the slideshow and display the carousal menu. Simple graphic icons and large touch targets on the menu make for easy negotiation of other functions of the device. Users need only to plug in the Vizit photo frame to receive the images as no uploading with the memory stick is required. The slim Vizit measuring 10.9″ in width, 7.4″ in height and 0.65″ in thickness is elegantly designed. Available in two shade in gunmetal or silver, it will retail for $279.99 and requires a monthly or annual photo plan.

EnerDel, who we last saw soaking up some of that Joe Biden stimulus money, is teaming up with the U.S. Army to develop a battery solution for a hybrid Humvee. Of course, your High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle is by its nature very large and very heavy -- great for dropping out of airplanes, perhaps, but not so great a candidate for electric power. Two of the company's battery chemistries will tested in the program, including lithium-manganese spinel (for extending electric vehicle range and electronic systems runtime) and lithium-titanate system (for the hard acceleration and braking required). In addition to "extreme performance simulations" that re-create battlefield conditions, a hybrid vehicle can also sport a "stealth" mode, which kills the diesel generator altogether, allowing the vehicle to run silently with a low thermal signature. And if that weren't enough, the vehicle is also being designed to perform as a highly portable, temporary power plant for field hospitals or command posts. The program is expected to last eighteen months.

Aw, suki suki now! Those Netflix instant streaming discs that started floating out to anxious PS3 owners yesterday are obviously splashing down, with YouTube user (and avid Engadget reader) otimus posting up a stellar walkthrough showing everything in action. We've got to admit -- the whole thing looks exceptionally sleek, but given the PS3's multimedia prowess, we didn't really expect anything less. He stated that he didn't notice any stuttering as he sifted through films and mashed play, and that any jitters you see in the video (after the break) can be blamed on the janky TV capture device. So, any others receive their disc today? How's the experience?

If you're looking for a project for the weekend and the Knock Lock seems a little naff, why not try building your own Bluetooth Star Trek communicator? This is definitely not a project for the faint of heart -- expect to custom cut a circuit-board, drill some holes, add a serial port, a Bluetooth module, and a microcontroller. That said, when it's all said and done you'll be placing (and answering) calls the same way they do in the 23rd century: by speaking through a small, distorted speaker. If this is your thing, hit up that read link to get the full step-by-step.

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Now that we've got the DROID Eris in the mix, we're up to our ears in HTC Hero-derivative devices. We decided to sit the whole crew (GSM, Sprint and Verizon editions) down for a little modeling session, and we're finding ourselves reticent to pick a favorite. There are really plusses and minuses to each of them, but any way you lean it's a pretty good handset with some perhaps overly bulky software, a wonderful pricepoint (on Verizon, anyway) and probably a limited time in the sun with upcoming Android 2.0 devices, faster processors and wild new screens rolling on in.

The world’s leading maker of Flash storage solutions and DRAM memory modules, Super Talent has announced the upcoming launch of its new SuperSpeed USB 3.0 RAIDDrive, which the company claims as the world’s first USB 3.0 Flash drive that supports transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 drives – 200MB/sec, supporting UAS Protocol to reach up to 320MB/sec transfer speeds.


The Super Talent’s high-speed USB 3.0 thumb drive that fully backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports will utilize patented ‘multiple pairs of differential serial data
lines technology’ aimed for optimal NAND flash performance.

“This product underscores Super Talent’s continued leadership in USB drives,” said C.H. Lee, COO of Super Talent. “We’ve developed the world’s first mobile USB 3.0 flash drive. It delivers phenomenal performance and it incorporates our own patented technology.”

Super Talent’s SuperSpeed USB 3.0 RAIDDrive which measures 95 x 37 x13 mm is expected to be available in coming December 2009 in 3 variants of memory capacities – 32GB, 64GB and 128GB.

It's been almost a full year since we heard a peep from the fine folks at Myka, but it looks like we could be talking about 'em a lot more often judging by the specs list on its latest contraption. The simply-titled ION is an Atom-based media PC that relies on NVIDIA's Ion graphics set and a customized interface that brings Hulu, Boxee and pretty much any other web content you can stumble upon to your television. Within, you'll find a 1.6GHz dual-core Atom 330 CPU, up to 4GB of RAM, ten USB 2.0 ports, VGA / DVI / HDMI outputs, an eSATA connector, Ethernet and plenty of audio outputs. The fanless design ensures that things remain quiet, and for those oozing cash, a Blu-ray drive, HDD and WiFi module can be implanted. It's up for order right now starting at $379, but you'll be stuck waiting four to six weeks for delivery.

We know, today is totally Android 2.0's day to shine, but what would a Friday night be without a little diversity? Windows Mobile 6.5 officially landed on a gaggle of Windows Phones back in early October (a month ago to the day, in fact), but by and large, all of 'em have seemingly drifted off into some forgotten corner while Motorola's DROID has taken over the hype. Still, we've got a feeling at least a few of you loyalists went out and gave Sir Ballmer a few more of your nickles, and now we're eager to hear if you're loving or regretting that choice. Is 6.5 really a worthy update over 6.1? Are you waiting for WinMo 7 instead? What would you change about 6.5 in order to make 7 the best mobile OS of all time? Sound off in comments below!

You may be familiar with a golf course with 18 holes, but a mouse with 18 buttons might sound rather awesome and make you wonder what it is all about. In collaboration with OpenOffice.org community and based on users’ feedback, WarMouse has announced the release of an “awesome” mouse which comes with 18 programmable buttons designed particularly for the open-source office productivity suite. The OpenOfficeMouse includes default profiles for the five main OpenOffice.org applications.


Its exterior look may not much to shout about, but the multi-button application
mouse offers users a more exciting and user-friendly experience negotiating OpenOffice.org applications
with its 18 interface buttons, an analog joystick and the ability to support 52 key commands. The mouse is the first to use the joystick as a keyboard.

The features of the OpenOfficeMouse include:

• 18 programmable mouse buttons with double-click functionality
• Three different button modes: Key, Keypress, and Macro
• Analog Xbox 360-style joystick with optional 4, 8, and 16-key command modes
• Clickable scroll wheel
• 512k of flash memory
• 63 on-mouse application profiles with hardware, software, and autoswitching apability
• 1024-character macro support.
• Open source support software
• for creating, managing, and customizing application profiles
• Import and export of custom profiles in XML format
• Optional audio notification of profile switching with customizable wave files
• PDF export of profile button assignments
• Adjustable resolution from 400 to 1,600 CPI
• Default profiles for Writer, Calc, Impress, Base, and Draw based on actual usage statistics compiled for OpenOffice.org 3.1
• 20 default profiles for popular games and applications, including Adobe Photoshop, the Gnu Image Manipulation Program, World of Warcraft, and the Call of Duty series.

The Arduino board has been the engine of many wild and wacky projects over the years, from bakery tweeting to various musical instruments. For its next trick, our man Steve Hoefer has taken his microcontroller and, along with a piezoelectric speaker, a gear reduction motor, and some PVC pipe, programmed it to listen for a preset sequence of knocks -- a secret knock, if you will -- and unlock the deadbolt upon hearing the right combination. Although this might not be the security system you want to put in place for your home, this definitely looks like a fun weekend project. Check out the read link for instructions and schematics, but not before you see the video of the thing in action.

Browser Tab feature is an excellent creation that really enhances users’ internet browsing experience by allowing multiple web pages
in the same browser Windows without the need to open many browser Windows at the same time. That is one of the reasons many users switched over from Internet Explorer
to Firefox before IE incorporated the useful feature into its IE7. If you are a tab browsing lover when surfing the internet, Tabberwocky, a Firefox add-on that lets you have more control over your tab feature is something you can look into.

Tabberwocky is a free and light Firefox extension which offers users various options to control the tab feature. For instance, users can set the tab behaviour, modify the size of the tab to their preferred width, choose to show a progress bar on each tab instead of in statusbar, protect tab, lock tab, have multiple rows of tab, etc. With Tabberwocky add-ons, users can customize further the tab feature and fully capitalize it for more user friendly internet browsing experience.


Below is a summary of Tabberwocky’s features and options:

• Duplicate Tab, Protect Tab, Lock Tab (menu items and keyboard shortcuts)
• Tab Progress Bars
• Multiple-Row Tab Bar
• Open in new tabs from Bookmarks, History, URL Bar, and/or Search Bar
• Open Selected Links in New Tabs
• Retain tab history when opening links in new tabs
• Show/Hide New Tab button and Close Tab buttons
• Highlight unread tabs
• Set minimum/maximum tab width
• Close tabs by double-clicking on them
• Tab clicking options
• Open tabs to the right of current tab
• Open tabs from links to the right of current tabs (Firefox 3.6+)
• Switch to last selected tab or tab on the left when closing a tab
• Menu items for opening links in foreground/background tabs
• Open script-generated windows in tabs instead

We spotted the IdeaPad U150 sitting pretty as far back as CEATEC, but now it seems the 11.6-inch beaut is finally finding its way out into the wild, wild... wilds. The suave folks over at Netbooked were able to wrap their paws around a retail unit, and aside from just unboxing it on video (which was a nice gesture in its own right), they also ran it through some basic tasks and spit out a few general opinions. Hit the links below if you'd like to follow the journey from undressing to battery life testing.

Read - IdeaPad U150 unboxing
Read - IdeaPad U150 impressions

Well, it looks like reports that Apple might be killing Atom support in the next Snow Leopard update may have been slightly overblown, as the latest developer build of OS X 10.6.2 (10C535) has apparently restored support for the processor and simultaneously brightened the spirits of hackintoshers the world over. What's more, there doesn't appear to be any explanation for the switch-a-roo from Apple which, as Electronista notes, could indicate that it was simply a bug or a temporary measure -- although it does of course also mean that Apple can just as easily flip the switch again if it sees fit (which seems like at least a 50 / 50 shot).

That's right... the HD2 has landed. Actually, we took the phone over to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the other day, but didn't get a chance to show it off, so here we are. Sure, you've seen this guy in action in earlier videos... but it's still nice to get a look at this monster up close. We're still blown away by the fact that this is a Windows Mobile 6.5 device -- the skinning job that HTC has done here is nothing short of a miracle. So far we've found the phone to be snappy and responsive, but we're currently putting it through its paces. We'll have a full review shortly, but for now, feast your eyes on the photos below -- and start saving for that imminent US launch.

What was once an unverifiable rumor from an anonymous source has now, sadly, become a confirmed fact. Intel won't be integrating USB 3.0 support into its chipsets until at least 2011. Motherboard makers such as ASUS can still opt to add discrete 3.0 controllers at an extra cost, but Intel -- already accused of dragging its heels on the standard's development -- won't be. NVIDIA spokesman Brian Burke has expressed, in no uncertain terms, his company's disappointment with Intel, while also claiming that chipsets by NVIDIA are more feature-rich and just plain better than Intel's own efforts. We'll add this to our ever-growing collection of things NVIDIA doesn't like about Intel, but we also hope that the immature outburst doesn't obscure the real issue. NVIDIA is correct in noting that Intel needs competition in the chipset space, and the new interconnect's dependence on Intel's whims demonstrates the market-altering powers that reside in Santa Clara, CA. Unless another chipmaker gets serious about competing with Intel, we could face plenty more of these seemingly arbitrary delays in tech rollouts.

What we have here today isn't just another pair of ordinary headphones: Sony Ericsson's MH907s are button-free, minimalistic headphones that activate upon the magical touch of your skin. Well, your ears to be precise. You must bear in mind that the MH907s are exclusive to Fast port-equipped Sony Ericsson phones thus excluding the forthcoming XPERIA X10 -- so chances are you're already not interested. That said, we shall see if Sony Ericsson is really going to change things forever with these gleaming buds featuring SE's SensMe Control technology, or by just stopping everyone from using their 3.5mm headphone jacks. Read on to find out how these €39 ($57) headphones fared.

As much fanfare and support as it's been getting over the past couple years, LTE's dirty little secret is that there's been no unified stance on how to ferry voice services over the technology; the concentration has been on data alone so far. Sure, the occasional carrier has raised concerns -- and a variety of solutions have been proposed, ranging from VoIP to repurposing legacy networks for voice alone -- but until now, voice has been an afterthought that everyone's been procrastinating on solving. Fortunately, a veritable who's-who of industry players from both the manufacturer and carrier sides of the fence have congealed this week to announce the One Voice initiative, which basically just hand-picks existing 3GPP-defined standards for voice and SMS services over LTE. Strangely missing is T-Mobile, one of the loudest voices in demanding a voice standard for LTE up until this point -- but considering that AT&T, Orange, Telefonica, TeliaSonera, Verizon, and Vodafone are all on board along with Samsung, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and others, we think they'll have no option but to fall in line in the long term. For consumers, this means we can all breathe a sigh of relief that LTE handsets won't be arbitrarily compartmentalized by supported voice standard, so it's a big win any way you slice it.

No matter how it tries, Intel just can't shake those pesky antitrust monkeys off its back: the attorney general of New York today filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the chipmaker, saying it unfairly prevented AMD from competing under state and federal law. That's pretty much what the EU just fined Intel $1.45b for in May and exactly what AMD itself is suing Intel for in Delaware, so we're guessing things are a little busy for Chipzilla's lawyers right now -- and it's just going to get worse, as the smart money says this is all just a precursor to the Federal Trade Commission dropping the hammer sometime soon. Hey, maybe this would be a good time to for Intel to distract everyone with some USB 3.0 chipsets?

Steve Ballmer might have no idea what's going on with the Microsoft Courier tablet, but a new set of documents leaked to Gizmodo certainly suggests the product is more than just a couple videos the boss-man hasn't seen. The images detail the Courier's unique user interface, which draws on everything from multitouch gestures to pen-based handwriting recognition. The heart of the interface appears to be the Smart Agenda, pictured above, which pulls together all your disparate content like calendar entries, emails, and to-dos into one unified starting place, described as "Cliff Notes" to the Pagestream "novel." The journal itself appears to be searchable by all kinds of data, including time, location, and tags, and it's all accessed by a special multi-button pen. There's also a camera and an offhand mention of "boos and subscriptions," so it sounds like whoever was dreaming this all up considered using the Courier as an ebook reader as well -- which would be totally sweet, given the types of annotations you could do. Of course, none of this is real yet, but we're hoping against hope -- please, Mr. Steve, make our holiday dreams come true?

There wasn't exactly much secrecy left around this one after ads started popping up online, but Walmart's now set aside any doubt about its $300 HP G60-519WM laptop with a listing for it on its website, which also thankfully includes the complete specs for it. Apparently built exclusively for Walmart by HP, this particular model packs a 15.6-inch WXGA display, along with previously rumored specs including a 2.2GHz Celeron 900 processor, 3GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, a LightScribe DVD burner, and some basic Intel GMA 4500M integrated graphics -- not to mention Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit edition for an OS. Not exactly the worst deal for someone looking for bigger, more full-featured alternative to a netbook, to be sure, but we have a feeling this is just a taste of what's to come for bargain hunters on Black Friday.

Symbian freaks, do we have a treat for you! While all your WinMo-lovin' friends are out there with Opera Mobile 9.5 (or possibly 9.7), a beta of version 10 has just been announced exclusively for Nokia / Symbian smartphones. As well as being as speedy as ever (fifty percent faster than previous Symbian versions, or so it's been claimed), this release features a new-and-improved user interface and a "speed dial" page that displays all your fave sites as icons. Not too shabby, eh? Hit the read link to get the thing for your Symbian/S60 phone

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