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According to iPod Observer a video that has made the rounds on the internet recently, originated from Microsoft.

The video contains a parody of the iPod packaging turning into a Microsoft branded iPod with over the top stickers and labels. Microsoft spokesman Tom Pilla confirmed “it was an internal-only video clip commissioned by our packaging [team] to humorously highlight the challenges we have faced RE: packaging and to educate marketers here about the pitfalls of packaging/branding”.

It’s not clear how the video make its way onto the internet but it’s a good laugh and always nice to see that Microsoft has a sense of humour when it comes to its own products and those of its competitors.

Links:

Microsoft iPod Parody

iPod Observer

Google has developed three technologies for offering wireless internet across the US free of charge.

The company has filed for three patents relating to offering a wireless internet service stateside. The patents mention offering advertising through a wireless internet connection.

Google is teaming up with partners to build and implement the infrastructure enabling them to quickly deploy their service on top of existing equipment.

The patent applications, filed by Google employees Wesley Chan, Shioupyn Shen and former Google product management director Georges Harik, aim at lowering the cost of wireless access via advertisements within service.

It’s not clear when Google is likely to start any kind of wireless offering but it has long been rumoured for many months now.

I just hope that Google will bring this technology here in the Philippines.

Links:

Patent 1 - Method and system for dynamically modifying the appearance of browser screens on a client device

Patent 2 - Method and system to provide advertisements based on wireless access points

Patent 3 - Method and system to provide wireless access at a reduced rate

Security is a top priority for you and a top priority for Microsoft. Join us at the 2006 Asia Security Roadshow to learn about key trends in the Security Industry, discover how to best prepare for advances in security technologies and find out what Microsoft is doing to help our customers address risk while still taking advantage of the connected world.

The conference will contain sessions specific to either infrastructure or developer audiences. Registration is open.

Date:3/28/2006
Time:8:30am - 5:00pm
Venue:Rizal Ballroom, The Shangri-La Makati
For details: MSEvents.ph

Fight an all-out war for survival in the year 2142. Electronic Arts and Sweden-based developer, Digital Illusions, today announced development of the next installment in the award-winning Battlefieldâ„¢ franchise, Battlefield 2142â„¢. The highly anticipated first-person shooter is scheduled to ship worldwide this winter for the PC.

The year is 2142, and the dawn of a new Ice age has thrown the world into a panic. The math is simple and brutal: The soil not covered by ice can only feed a fraction of the Earth’s population. Some will live, most will die. In Battlefield 2142, players will choose to fight for one of two military superpowers in an epic battle for survival, the European Union or the newly formed Pan Asian Coalition. Armed with a devastating arsenal of hi-tech assault rifles, cloaking devices and sentry guns, players will also do battle using some of the most imposing vehicles known to man. Massive battle Mechs wage fierce combat on the ground, while futuristic aircraft rule the skies. When facing one of these new behemoths, players will need to use their wits and an arsenal of new countermeasures like EMP grenades to level the playing field.

“Battlefield has long been synonymous with innovative, best-of-breed online multiplayer action,” said Sean Decker, Executive Producer, DICE. “By stepping into the future with Battlefield 2142, the team at DICE has reinvented the rules of engagement for the next century.”

Team play features allow up to 64 players to enter the action on the front lines as part of a formal squad, or work behind the scenes in Commander Mode to direct the strategic assaults of their teammates. With in-game success, players increase their rank and unlock awards, including new weapons, medals and more, delivering the most comprehensive and flexible persistence in the Battlefield universe to date.

News Source:  GamesIndustry.biz

Additional links:

Trailer
Pics

Another Ipod tidbits…. Here’s a list and description of ways to further run diagnostics on your ipod. All the way from testing your scroll wheel to Scanning your ipods hard drive.

Link:  Methodshop

While analysts and Apple rumor sites have been speculating, Benq confirms that an iPhone is in the works. Their suppliers who work with Apple have been requested to supply parts for the iPhone. Benq also states that the Apple iPhone is common knowledge in Taiwan. The iPhone is expected to be released in the 4th quarter of this year.

Source: Smarthouse

Dell just announced that it is indeed acquiring Alienware:

“Today we signed a definitive agreement to acquire Alienware to further expand our portfolio of high-performance PC solutions. Alienware is a successful, high-growth company with a highly respected brand.

Dell’s XPS products and Alienware’s products complement each other to address a wider range of enthusiast and high-performance PC customers. The acquisition of Alienware will enhance our commitment to customers seeking extreme performance. Overall, customers benefit from us offering a wider choice of products in this category, including the best performance, product options and value. We believe that Alienware and Dell have excellent cultural alignment, as both companies were founded on the direct business model.

Alienware’s products are an excellent complement to Dell’s own line of high-performance computers designed for gaming, enthusiast and media content customers. In addition to offering high-quality, high-performance products, Alienware has tremendous brand appeal with consumers and creative business professionals,” said Michael Dell, chairman.

Alienware has a legacy of success designing the highest-performance PCs using bleeding -edge technologies and innovative industrial design,” said Nelson Gonzalez, CEO of Alienware. “We believe that Alienware will realize significant advantages from Dell’s world-class supply chain and operational efficiencies. They will allow us to continue to satisfy our core customers with the most innovative and highest-performing PCs, and ultimately extend the reach and appeal of the Alienware brand.

Source: Dell Press Release