Congrats to all the 2012 graduates out there! My best wishes go out to all of you as you pursue your future endeavors!
Microsoft is offering a new computing experience for Windows 7 with its Microsoft Signature customization service. Basically, what this service is offering is a PC without all the pre-installed bloatware and trialware software that a new computer typically has on it.
Microsoft Signature features faster booting times, better performance with only the software you need. In addition, every Microsoft Signature PC comes with Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus software and 90 days of free phone support.
Microsoft Signature is available for $99 via the Microsoft Store. Learn more about the service at http://signature.microsoft.com/. Read more from the Wall Street Journal’s article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304371504577406242849753100.html?mod=djemptech_t.
Net buzzz
- Facebook has entered the public trading market, opening at $38 a share. Read more at http://newsroom.fb.com/News/Facebook-Announces-Pricing-of-Initial-Public-Offering-16b.aspx.
- In other Facebook news, the company was hit with a $15 billion class action lawsuit regarding user tracking and privacy issues. In the lawsuit, members claim that the company continues to track its users after they log out of the site. Unsurprisingly, the lawsuit was presented hours prior to the company’s IPO debut. Read ZDNet’s coverage on the lawsuit at www.zdnet.com/blog/facebook/facebook-faces-nationwide-class-action-tracking-cookie-lawsuit/9747.
- After being accused of tracking users, Twitter posted a note on its blog to clear up the matter at http://blog.twitter.com/2012/05/new-tailored-suggestions-for-you-to.html.
Gamer alert
- Circus Challenge is the first in a series of video games designed to rehabilitate stroke victims. The game was designed by a team of stroke experts at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. Learn more at www.ncl.ac.uk/press.office/press.release/item/action-video-game-to-aid-recovery-from-stroke and www.limbsalive.com/.
Free stuff
Get $2 Amazon MP3 credit simply by naming your favorite song at the moment and sharing it on Facebook. The MP3 credit must be redeemed before midnight May 24.
Learn more at www.amazon.com/gp/socialmedia/promotions/anc-mp3/.
Roku corner
- Some networks now offer their HBO GO app users access to the programming via their Roku players. The latest network to join the group is Time Warner Cable, which joins others such asBright House and Optimum Networks. See its blog posting at www.twcableuntangled.com/2012/05/our-customers-can-use-hbo-go-on-roku-xbox-and-samsung-smart-tvs/. View a full list of cable and satellite provides offering HBO Go on Roku at http://support.roku.com/entries/20585347-i-subscribe-to-hbo-through-my-cable-company-how-can-i-access-hbo-go-on-my-roku#overview.
- In other Roku news, the company has released another update for its Roku 2, Roku LT and new Roku HD players. The new software version 4.7 includes improvements for the new HD player and better device discovery on Roku iOS and Android mobile apps. Learn more at http://blog.roku.com/blog/2012/05/15/update-available-for-roku-2-roku-lt-and-new-roku-hd/.
- Asian Crush is a free channel featuring Asian feature films and documentaries. According to its listing on the Roku Guide, more than 500 films are presented in its film catalog featuring genres such as action, anime, drama, horror and martial arts. Read more at www.rokuguide.com/channels/asian-crush.
E-mail me at sheila@amnews.com; fax me at (859) 236-9566; or write me snail mail at The Advocate-Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Danville, KY 40423-0149.
