Paragon Partition Manager free for a limited time only

For a limited time only, Giveaway of the Day (GOTD) is offering a free download of the proprietary partition manager designed by Paragon Software Group. Paragon Partition Manager 2009 is the self-proclaimed most reliable and complete drive partitioning tool available on the market today, which originally retails for $39.95.

Its feature-set is parallel to most commercial partitioning software, including the ability to create, format, delete, undelete, hide, unhide, move, resize and merge partitions. Other features include the ability to install an OS via a wizard, convert primary and logical partitions, update your MBR, configure a multi-boot environment, resolve common boot-related issues, and perform a defragmentation. It also guarantees a data-loss-free backup and restore functionality.

The software is compatible with 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and XP, as well as 2000, and has very low system requirements. As the site’s domain name implies, the deal is expected to expire at the end of the day, but if you’re too late and are in need of a freeware partition software check out the Gnome Partition Editor (GParted).

Acer working on several Android-powered devices

Acer officially jumped into the smartphone market earlier this year with the introduction of four Windows Mobile devices. While each has its own distinctive feature that will appeal to different types of users, many were disappointed that none ran the Google-backed Android operating system. But that’s not to say such a device isn’t in the pipeline. In fact, according to PC World, Acer is already working on several different Android-based devices, and plans to launch a smartphone using the software later this year.

During the firm’s Q1 investor’s conference today, President and CEO Gianfranco Lanci noted that “the entire industry is looking at Android.” Furthermore Lanci reasonably downplayed chances of an Acer netbook running Android, saying it makes more sense to stick the mobile operating system on a smartphone, but did not completely rule out the possibility. Sadly, no additional information or timeframe was given.

The company actually expects to get 10 percent of its revenue within three years from the growing smartphone sector, and hopes to capture nearly half of the entire netbook market this year, so we’re anxious to see what the company has in store for us the next few months.

Fallout 3 developers give update on Broken Steel

Fallout 3 fans who have been waiting for the Broken Steel DLC might be interested in a large dose of development updates. Coming straight from Bethesda, some screenshots of the new content have been released along with a pretty interesting developmeny diary, where game designers Jeff Browne and Alan Nanes go into detail about the work they have been up to creating Broken Steel.


They write about balance issues in raising the game's level cap, the addition of new non-player characters to challenge the post-level 20 players, creating new weapons and armor, and how the game's storyline itself will be impacted by the changes. They also go into mechanics, such as how the style of Broken Steel will be largely solo play and what will make it worth playing for people who have already put the game down. If you're a Fallout 3 fan, it's definitely worth the read.

OpenOffice's future uncertain in light of Sun-Oracle deal

Advocates for the continued development of OpenOffice have been busy this week, coming up with plans and ideas as to where the open-source suite should head once the Oracle-Sun merger is complete. Some are calling for Oracle to make the suite independent, while others want to see the company roll up their sleeves and dive into development on their own. Oracle, however, has declined to comment on what they have planned.

As the head of marketing for OpenOffice, John McCreesh, has issued a public statement saying that the future of OpenOffice is leading it towards becoming an independent project. He believes that having it completely detached from Oracle, both legal and in development terms, would be beneficial for OpenOffice in that it would enable them to find their own source of revenue and dictate future development on their own.

Others call for a different approach, claiming that Oracle's backing could make potential partners take it more seriously and become a stronger rival to Microsoft, as opposed to simply a free alternative. Ultimately, it’s all up to Oracle. Each proposition has its own benefits, but working independently certainly feels like the 'right' model for an open-source community.

Windows 7 updates AutoRun behavior to prevent further malware propagation

If you have used any computer running Windows within the past 14 years (and who hasn't?), you are probably well aware of the AutoRun feature. Introduced along with Windows 95, AutoRun is a default feature present in every Windows desktop system. The simple concept, putting media in and having the computer automatically run a program on said media has changed little from when it was first introduced. It did eventually morph into two separate features, AutoRun and AutoPlay. The latter was intended to differentiate between content found on a CD, DVD or other removable media, and prompt you with a default action to choose from. What started as a good idea did eventually bring Microsoft a lot of slack, with people blaming infected computers and numerous other issues on this stock feature.



Infection Detections of Malware that Spread via AutoRun

Microsoft has admitted that malicious software are using AutoRun as a vector for infection, and thus newer versions of Windows (starting with 7) will not feature it for all removable media. Detachable hard drives, USB/thumb drives, rewritable CDs and DVDs and other “generic” mass storage devices will no longer use AutoRun by default. The idea is to reduce the chance of a machine getting infected by plugging in media you aren't sure of.

The commonly known AutoRun feature will be retained for read-only optical media, such as CDs and DVDs, claiming that those are seldom used as a transmission medium for malware or viruses. This may seem like a minor change, but it does represent a fundamental change in the way Microsoft developers are seeing security threats.

Apple assembles chip design team for next-gen iPhones

Following the acquisition of PA Semi last year, Apple is looking for yet more microprocessor design expertise to work on future chips for the iPhone and iPod touch. The company has been hiring engineers with the hope that its proprietary designs may be able to give its devices unique and exclusive features that its competitors will not be able to replicate. Among those recently signed up by Apple are Raja Koduri and Bob Drebin, both former CTOs of AMD’s Graphics Products Group, along with longtime IBM executive and chip expert Mark Papermaster.

Though it’s well known that Apple already plays an active role in the design of chips from third-parties, switching to an in-house strategy boasts the huge advantage of secrecy. This will allow them to take their designs directly to a chip foundry without disclosing any plans with other mobile processor manufacturers, so that it can prevent feature leaks and better differentiate its handheld products from a growing list of competing devices. The fruits of the move won’t likely be seen until at least next year and should focus on, among other things, lowering power consumption and improving the graphical abilities of Apple’s handheld products.

Office 2010 screenshots emerge

Microsoft has finally finished and compiled the RTM version of Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008. The full version string being 6.0.6002.18.005, which company officials have confirmed is the final RTM version of SP2.

The key features of SP2 are:

• Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches
• Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology
• Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista
• Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration
• Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones.

Currently circulating around popular BitTorrent websites, the final version is available in 32 and 64 bit versions. Microsoft is expected to release it publicly shortly.

For more information on SP2 please check out the recently posted Microsoft support article.

Screenshots of the file properties:

Thanks to Neowin user Vask for the heads up.

Updated 6:33P.M. -6 GMT, fixed version number. Sorry about the confusion guys!

Sony to unveil redesigned PSP at E3

There have been rumors about a PSP redesign, but now 1UP.com claims sources directly involved with the project have told them that Sony will unveil the latest variant of its portable gaming console at the E3 conference this coming June.

Image courtesy of 1UP.com. Note: This is not the actual PSP

According to their sources, Sony will "forgo a numerical moniker in favor of a subtitle". So you wouldn't see a 'PSP-4000' anytime too soon. 1UP.com speculates that this new system would be called the PSP Go!, in keeping with the Go! brand of add-ons released for the European PSP. Sources have also said that the model will be available in two SKUs, with either an 8 GB or 16GB internal flash memory.

Wait, 8GB/16GB internal memory? That's right. You would need all that space now that the new PSP will no longer play UMDs. All titles for the PSP would be available as downloads instead. As for the hardware, the button layout will remain faithful to the older generations of PSPs and will not include dual analogue sticks, as rumored by many fans. It would feature a sliding mechanism (as pictured above).

1UP.com also speculates that Sony could be integrating the Mylo's design into the new PSP, and hence could feature a touch screen and a camera.

Well it is no surprise that Sony has finally decided to redesign its PSP, as it faces stiff competition from newly released Nintendo DSi and iPod Touch/iPhone. Many rumors were flowing around back when the PSP 3000 was released, of a redesigned PSP which would be released in 2011. The real surprise here is that Sony has opted for 'sooner' rather than 'later'.

McGee: Publishers should reward content creators

American McGee is a firm believer in user generated content. The creator of Alice and Grimm rightfully applauds the likes of LittleBigPlanet, but has a few doubts of his own.

Speaking to Geek.com McGee was quick to highlight his concerns on the issue, specifically surrounding the rewarding of those who produce the content.

"I think if game products or publishers are relying on "outside the box" content created by users to drive interest in their titles - then they should find ways of compensating those users for developing added value. That might even inspire the user content communities to step up their game."

Whilst McGee didn't delve into a great amount of detail, one can only imagine he was referring to a paying submission scheme.

Now based in Shanghai, American McGee's studio Spicy Horse are we currently working on a new Alice game for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

Chinatown Wars below expectations for DS?

Last year, when Rockstar announced that they were bringing the popular Grand Theft Auto franchise to Nintendo's portable platform; many wondered how well an M rated title would do. Almost two months since it's release, the answers are starting to come in.

In it's debut in March, the game only sold only around 89000 copies, far below the expected 250,000 to 400,000 range. When questioned earlier about it, Take Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar, said they expected to see the title sell well in the long term and Nintendo is expecting about the same: "‘Chinatown Wars' is performing in line with AAA titles that have come to our platform like 'Spore' or 'Lego Star Wars'. Those games went on to have very different life-to-date sales numbers," says Steve Singer, Nintendo of America's Vice President of Licensing and Third-Party Relations. Not only that, but he sees the title to be very important to the image of the DS: "I think strategically, this is a very important game because it helps send the message that great M-rated content can come to the platform and will find a home."

This comes as a bit of a surprise as this is the highest rated title for the Nintendo DS. But now lies the biggest question. Why are sales so low on this platform? Some say perhaps it is because the Grand Theft Auto series does not translate well over to the portable systems, but sales for the Playstation Portable iterations of the games have sold very well. Libery City Stories went on to sell 327,872 in its first month, while Vice City Stories sold 134,275 units in its first month.

MTV blogs asked gamers why they did not buy the title and some of the responses were a little surprising. Some play piracy, some play the fact that the game is not very deep, the overall style of the game was not as good as its console counterparts or some just did not come around to getting the game yet. I personally have two theories.

The first: the game is an M rated title on a family oriented platform. The majority of people who own a Playstion Portable are more likely to buy these types of games because it's geared towards the "hardcore" audience. It should come as no surprise that the Grand Theft Auto titles for that system sold well. When games like Brain Age, Pokemon and Nintendogs are dominating the DS, it's hard to see a title like Grand Theft Auto, with its rabid violence and mature storyline, sell may copies on a platform that is dominated by G rated games.

The second is the game itself. While I know there are plenty of us who remember the good ol' days of the 2D Grand Theft Auto games, the franchise didn't really come into its own until Grand Theft Auto for Sony's Playstation 2, where it went 3D. The game today is known for its 3D open world action where you can run over people and kill hookers, not the top-down 2D days were you had to drive to a pay phone to get a mission.

Only time will tell, but I do not see this title personally doing very well anytime soon and this is discouraging for the "hardcore" gamers out there on the DS who enjoy these types of games.