The 404 451- Where we take a bite out of a Windows 7 burger

The 404 451: Where we take a bite out of a Windows 7 burger
Happy Windows 7 Day everyone! Much to Wilson's chagrin, there is indeed another operating system out there, and the new version just came out today. Users unhappy with Windows Vista can now breath a sigh of relief, as the new OS combines a strong design with an easy-to-use interface that many are calling "Vista done right," but more.Check out our own Seth Rosenblatt's full review of Microsoft Windows 7 (Professional), then head over to CNET's Windows 7 landing page for full coverage and a live blog of today's launch event.Most interesting about Windows 7 is Microsoft's impressive worldwide media promotion, which includes Burger Kings in Japan rolling out the official Windows 7 burger. The meaty behemoth actually has seven meat patties and carries a 777 special price for Japanese customers. The limited-time offer is an effort to promote the software as "leaner and meaner," although we don't get how a heart attack between two buns will get the message out there. Seth MacFarlane is getting in on the viral marketing as well--on November 18, Microsoft will sponsor a full half-hour episode of "Family Guy." Be sure to watch the sneak peak that features Stewie and Brian poking fun at Microsoft's new features.Today's Beck's Beer Audio Draft Pick is The Audition.The Audition/Victory RecordsFinally, Jeff's pick for today's Beck's Beer Audio Draft is a band on Victory Records called The Audition. Although we agree with Jeff that they might be the pop-iest band we've featured on the show, they nevertheless have a feel-good sound that takes us back to our teenage years. The first song of the day is entitled "My Temperature's Rising" off the band's newest self-titled album.Unfortunately, the band just got off a tour with our beloved Alkaline Trio, but be sure to check back on their Last.FM page for the latest concert info. EPISODE 451PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang


Mozy launches iPhone app

Mozy launches iPhone app
Released last week for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, the mobile version of Mozy allows users of the service to retrieve and view their online files directly on their mobile devices. Before you can use Mozy on the iPhone, you need to set up a Mozy account and then install the client software on your computer from where you back up your files. Once that's done, you can access any of those files on your mobile device.Opening the app shows you the names of any computers you've backed up. You tap on a computer to view your files.Mozy mimics the folder structure of your hard drive, which means you have to drill down folder by folder until you locate the file you want. I found that process to be clumsy and would have preferred an option to see all of my backed-up files in one screen or at least get a tree view where I could more quickly navigate to specific files. There's also an option to search for a file by name, but you can only search specific folders rather than your entire backup set, another aspect I found limiting.Once you do get to the files you need, Mozy offers a variety of options.You can view or play different types of files. I tried opening Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, photos, and certain types of videos (QuickTime) and music (MP3 and iTunes m4a files), and they all came up nicely. By default, the photos show up in a slightly lower resolution format, but Mozy gives you an option to download a high-resolution version. The app also supports both portrait and landscape mode for easier viewing of certain files.You can e-mail documents, photos, and other files and even post a photo directly to Facebook. To provide an extra layer of security, Mozy also lets you set up a pass code to open the app.Overall, Mozy for the iPhone is a good start. I'd like to see it offer a better way to access and search for files, but otherwise it's a handy tool.


Get an Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD iDevice projector for $645

Get an Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD iDevice projector for $645
One of my favorite products of the year is Epson's MegaPlex MG-850HD projector. Plunk your iPhone, iPod, or iPad into its pop-out iDevice dock and presto: you've got a complete home theater anywhere there's a chunk of wall space.The unit has a list price of $799, but P.C. Richard & Son sells the Epson MegaPlex MG-850HD projector for $644.97 shipped.Still pricey, yes, but I've been reviewing one for the past couple weeks and think it's a great buy.On its own, the MG-850HD is a 720p projector that pumps out an impressive 2,800 lumens. In other words, it's very bright. Plus, it has built-in 10-watt stereo speakers that deliver admirably robust audio.Epson outfitted the projector with HDMI, component, and composite video inputs, so you can connect just about any source. Of course, the big draw is the iDevice dock, which lets you watch all your iTunes videos, play your movies and slideshows, and even run Netflix.There are a couple limitations, most notably that a lot of other video-streaming apps (Crackle, Hulu, and HBO Go) aren't compatible with the MG-850HD. (Blame the app developers, not Epson--these apps don't work with any video-out solution.)Even so, it's an outright treat to connect, say, your iPhone to the projector and stream high-def episodes of "Caprica" or a rented copy of "Super 8." Who needs DVDs?Don't confuse the MG-850HD with the handful of iPod-friendly pico projectors that emerged earlier this year. This is a full-blown 3LCD projector, one that's just plain awesome for turning any room into an iDevice-powered theater.Bonus deal: Today only, Bedeals has the refurbished Logitech Harmony 600 universal remote for $29.99 shipped. That's one of the best prices I've seen on a Harmony remote with an LCD screen (albeit a monochrome one). It comes with a 90-day warranty.


Get an Epson MegaPlex MG-50 projector for $239

Get an Epson MegaPlex MG-50 projector for $239
In case I haven't mentioned it lately, Cheapskate readers are some of the most awesome people on the planet. You have no idea how much I appreciate your kind words and gestures. Thank you, thank you, thank you. /mushystuffProjectors are awesome. A high-end HD model can turn a living room into a sweet home theater, but don't overlook the value of lower-end options. A projector that's compact, inexpensive, and easily moved can be a great solution for anytime, anywhere movie fun.To wit: For a limited time, Epson is offering the refurbished MegaPlex MG-50 3LCD projector for $239 shipped. Original price: $699.99!The MegaPlex is a self-contained home theater, offering loud built-in speakers, a carrying handle for easy transport from one room to another, and a dock for 30-pin Apple devices. Yep, you've just found the perfect home for that secondhand iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.By connecting one of those devices, you can project any videos you've purchased from iTunes. It also works with Netflix and YouTube, though unfortunately most other streaming apps (Hulu, HBO Go, etc.) don't support this kind of video-out. Thankfully, the projector also has VGA and HDMI inputs, so you can connect just about any other source (DVD player, Android device, laptop, etc.) to greatly expand your viewing options.Whatever your source, you'll get 2,200 lumens' worth of brightness via a 3LCD engine. That's pretty solid, but there is one downside: The MegaPlex MG-50 tops out at 960x540 pixels, a bit shy of proper HD. It's fine for casual movie watching (especially the likes of, say, a kid's sleepover), but anyone accustomed to 720p/1080p images may balk.That said, you'll want to check out PC Mag's mostly favorable review of the MG-50, along with my own coverage of the slightly higher-end MG-850HD. (For what it's worth, Amazon customers rated the MG-50 4.5 stars out of 5.) One thing is certain: Resolution notwithstanding, this is an amazing deal on a powerful projector. Definitely worth a look.Bonus deal: Game time! If you love platform-style adventure games with a sense of humor, Get Games has the 2013 indie hit The Cave (Win) for $3.74. Regular price: $14.99. Features include lovely graphics, challenging puzzles, and punny jokes from the mind who brought you Monkey Island and Maniac Mansion.


iOS 6 fixes bug that let stolen iPhones receive iMessage texts

iOS 6 fixes bug that let stolen iPhones receive iMessage texts
An iMessage security hole discovered earlier this year has reportedly been patched in iOS 6.Revealed in February, the bug allowed texts through iMessage to continue to appear even after the phone's account information had been wiped, the SIM card deactivated, or the password changed. This meant that a stolen iPhone could still receive text messages intended for the device's owner.The Next Web reported that a source with knowledge of the matter said that the issue was resolved in iOS 6 after Apple pushed through several new checks for iMessage. One critical tweak requires users who change their Apple account ID to re-enter the password to use iMessage.Further, people whose iPhones are lost or stolen are now protected against the old bug.Related storiesApple calls iMessage bug story an 'extremely rare situation'iMessage bug swats iPhone owners who switch to AndroidApple's iMessage service experiencing another disruptionApple's iMessage service experiencing hiccups again Inserting the SIM card in a new phone with the same associated number or remotely wiping the phone automatically prevents the iPhone from receiving texts through iMessage, TNW added. Change your Apple ID password, and all of your iOS devices will now ask for the new password before enabling iMessage.In February, an Apple spokeswoman said the flaw was an "extremely rare situation that occurred when a retail employee did not follow the correct service procedure and used their personal SIM to help a customer who did not have a working SIM."But apparently the company felt it was enough of a flaw that it needed to be fixed permanently.CNET contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if the company responds.


iOS 5.0.1 fixes battery drain bug, say early testers

iOS 5.0.1 fixes battery drain bug, say early testers
Apple's iOS 5.0.1 update, which the company released today ahead of schedule, apparently fixes the battery drain problem, at least according to some early testers.Based on comments made by users who've installed the update, Wired found that most are enjoying a big boost in battery power. Followers of Wired on Twitter chimed in after the magazine posted a tweet asking who has updated to iOS 5.0.1 and if it improved their battery life.In response, Wired reader Donald Kuntzman reportedly called the update "nothing short of amazing," saying that his iPhone 4 can now get through almost the whole day without a change in the meter reading. Another person tweeted that his iPhone 4S went from losing 15 percent of its charge per hour to only 3 or 4 percent.Another tweeter said that he now only needs to charge his phone every other day instead of every day, while a fourth person reported that he installed IOS 5.0.1 beta 2 and noticed an improvement in the battery life.A few people said they saw no difference, while one person claimed the battery life got worse after iOS 5.0.1, but Wired seemed to discount that as a rare exception to the rule.Responding to the battery drain issue and other bugs in iOS 5, Apple last week unveiled a beta of iOS 5.0.1 for developers, then quickly followed that up with a second beta. Earlier this week, the company invited select users to test out the iOS 5.0.1 update themselves to see if the battery issue was resolved.Some reports said that iOS 5.0.1 wouldn't be available for all users for a few more weeks, but Apple launched the update today.So, who among you has updated to iOS 5.0.1, and have you found an improvement in battery life?Updated 10:45 p.m. PT: Added the news that iOS 5.0.1 was released today.


iOS 5 code bits hint at minor iPod Touch upgrades

iOS 5 code bits hint at minor iPod Touch upgrades
If references to unreleased iPads in the code of Apple's first iOS 5 developer beta weren't enough to whet your appetite for new devices, signs of a new iPod Touch have now been found as well.A forum goer over at iFans has unearthed a reference to an "iPod4,2" in a property list file from the iOS 5 code. Such a model identifier does not exist in Apple's current lineup of devices, suggesting this has been included to support an unreleased iPod Touch. What's interesting here is that these model identifiers, which tend to pop up on developer builds of pre-release iOS software, often sport an incremental update in the main number to signify that a future model will be a more substantial upgrade. As iFans notes, the only thing that's changing from the current iPod Touch moniker is that second number, suggesting a smaller revision.The question of where Apple intends to take the iPod Touch this year is of special interest given what's happening with the iPhone, the device from which it is derived. This time last year (to the day actually) the iPhone 4 hit store shelves after making an official debut at Apple's annual developers conference. That same timeline has not matched up with whatever Apple plans to deliver as a follow-up.Recent reports have pegged a new iPhone arriving later this year to coincide with the public availability of iOS 5. That timing makes things even more interesting, since it could end up bumping into when Apple usually releases new iPods. Up until now, Apple's had a break in between the release of both devices, a tradition that could be coming to an end.Related: How a 3G iPod Touch could change the game


iOS 5 beta 7 arrives for developers to test

iOS 5 beta 7 arrives for developers to test
Apple this afternoon released yet another beta version of its iOS 5 software to developers, the seventh time it's done so since offering a test version of the software in June.As usual, Boy Genius Report has posted a full copy of the change log, which developers are not supposed to share as per Apple's non-disclosure agreement. From that list, the release looks to contain mainly bug fixes from previous versions of the software, as well as additions to Apple's Xcode and user interface building tools. In other words, the nitty-gritty things developers are likely to enjoy, but not the things to excite consumers looking for the addition of new features.Apple has said it will release iOS 5 to users as a free update this fall. The company typically seeds several beta versions of its major software releases to developers ahead of time to work out any bugs and give the developers time to integrate new features and APIs into their applications. This is just the latest in a long series of software releases leading up to the public availability.So far, Apple has released a new version of the software every few weeks: • iOS 5 beta 1 on 6/6• iOS 5 beta 2 on 6/24• iOS 5 beta 3 on 7/11• iOS 5 beta 4 on 7/22• iOS 5 beta 5 on 8/6• iOS 5 beta 6 on 8/19The new version of iOS brings an overhaul of the notifications system, alongside a new messaging platform called iMessage that lets iOS users text and chat with one another free of charge. The software is also deeply tied to Apple's upcoming iCloud service, which will be used to ferry photos, applications, and settings back and forth between iOS devices, as well as serve as a free backup solution.Along with the new beta build of iOS 5, Apple released a new developer build of iTunes 10.5, its Apple TV software, and Xcode 4.2.


iOS 4.3 arrives ahead of schedule

iOS 4.3 arrives ahead of schedule
Apple today released its iOS 4.3 software ahead of schedule.The software, which was originally set to be released on Friday to coincide with the launch of the iPad 2, went out to users as an update from within Apple's iTunes software this morning.New features in iOS 4.3 (photos)See full gallery1 - 4 / 7NextPrevAmong the new features are support for Wi-Fi hot spots on GSM iPhones, video streaming through Apple's AirPlay technology, iTunes Home Sharing, and improved JavaScript performance in Safari. iPad users also get a new option within the settings menu that lets them turn the iPad's side switch into either a mute switch or a screen orientation lock--functionality the company had changed with the release of iOS 4.2.iOS 4.3 was unveiled during the iPad 2 press briefing earlier this month, though developers got their hands on the first beta of the software in January. Apple released a Gold Master copy of the software just last week. The new software is the first iOS update to leave out the iPhone 3G from the list of devices that Apple will support. Joining the 3G in devices that won't be eligible for the update include the original iPhone, as well as the first- and second-generation iPod Touch.Along with iOS 4.3 for iOS devices, the Apple TV received a software update today that adds Major League Baseball's MLB.TV streaming service, as well as the National Basketball Association's League Pass. Both subscription services work in a similar fashion to Netflix, with users entering in their existing account credentials to gain access. That update only goes out to users with the latest version of Apple TV.Stay tuned for our hands-on with how the hot-spot feature performs on the GSM iPhone.


A cheaper iPad Mini 'expected,' says Citi

A cheaper iPad Mini 'expected,' says Citi
The iPad Mini is already cheap at $329.But Apple is expected to go even lower, according to a report out Tuesday from Citi Research.Ciit's Glen Yeung said in a note to investors that Apple is shifting toward more inexpensive products."Supply chain checks by Citi's Asia-Pac Technology Team suggest a mix shift surprisingly toward Apple's older iPhone4/4S," he wrote.Then added."And with our expectation of a low-end iPhone slated for September launch, followed by a sub-$250 iPad Mini, we expect this trend to persist." While there has been plenty of speculation about a cheaper iPhone, an iPad Mini priced below $250 hasn't been a hot topic.More ink has been devoted to anticipation of a Retina version of the iPad Mini.Related storiesWaiting for the iPad Mini Retina? Think about thisThe Citi note mentions a comment by Apple Chief Operating Officer Peter Oppenheimer to back up the expected shift to cheaper devices, including the Mini."We are managing the business for the long termand are willing to trade off short-term profits where we see long-term potential," Oppenheimer said during the most recent earnings conference call. More details about "mixing to the low-end" were also provided in the note. "September quarter...low-end iPhone (15 million units) & iPhone4/4S (10M) volume, will likely meet or exceed that of iPhone5S (10M) and iPhone5 (5M)." Citi sees this increased emphasis on more inexpensive devices as inevitable. "We detect [a]...pattern to lower-end mix that we view as part of a natural and inevitable trend for Apple and indeed the entire mobile device industry."