ComputerNews

Internet Channel for the Wii Menu Now Available at No Cost

September 2, 2009--Nintendo is offering an easy way for Wii console owners to access the Internet without a computer. Effective immediately, people who want to browse the Internet using their Wii consoles will be able to do so at no added cost.

The Wii Menu houses a variety of informational and entertaining channels, such as the News Channel and Wii Shop Channel, that users can visit to enhance their Wii experience. Wii consoles that are linked to a broadband Internet connection have even greater access to additional content and channels. For example, the Nintendo Channel is an interactive guide to what’s new in the world of Nintendo that lets consumers watch trailers, mini-documentaries, product demonstrations and game-play videos, while the Check Mii Out Channel allows users to show off their Mii creations and download Miis that others have created.

The Internet Channel, which can be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel, allows Wii owners to browse the Internet on their televisions from the comfort of their couches. Users can check their e-mail, make purchases or travel plans, and surf their favorite Web pages by pointing and clicking with the Wii Remote controller. Read more

Automated Feature Taps Same Tools Reps Use to Set Up Services, Configure Wi-Fi Links, Set Up and Manage Voice Mail, Auto-Fix Video Problems, Trouble-Shoot and Correct Internet Issues

Additional On-Screen TV 'Quick Codes' Simplify Fixes for Many TV Service Problems

August 25, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon FiOS customers now have direct access to an application that performs many of the same setup, management and troubleshooting functions that previously required assistance from a help desk representative. Back-office systems and information resources have been integrated to create a tool that operates with point-and-click simplicity to perform functions like configuring a new PC to work on a home Wi-Fi network, setting up e-mail accounts, and automatically fixing Internet access or video problems.Read more

SCRABBLE Also Available Across Mobile Devices, Social Networking Sites, Handheld Gaming Platforms, Xbox Live Arcade and Online

August 14, 2009--Electronic Arts today announced that SCRABBLE is launching on iGoogle in conjunction with the support of Opensocial, which offers users a more powerful and interactive way to play games on their iGoogle homepage, personal websites or desktop for quick pick-up-and-play fun. The new social features on iGoogle allow users to share content, play games and collaborate with friends on their personal homepage. SCRABBLE as a gadget is the 6th official version of the Hasbro owned SCRABBLE franchise launched by EA to give fans of the game a vast array of ways to play.

The SCRABBLE gadget customized for iGoogle provides the authentic game experience as well as an intuitive interface that allows head-to-head challenges against friends and family (based on subset of Google contacts). Gameplay is asynchronous and allows for up to five simultaneous games. With easy tracking of scores and statistics, one always will know where they rank against their friends as well as the iGoogle community at large. Players also can get help from extensive word lists and choose one of the several flexible speed levels to customize their level of difficulty. Read more

August 11, 2009 – Just in time for back-to-school season, PayPal today announced the launch of the Student Account, a fast and secure way for U.S. teens to shop online and in stores with the Student Card using PayPal, while providing parents with a variety of monitoring capabilities.

The Student Account eliminates the hassle of everyday money exchange between parents and teens, while giving teens the chance to learn good spending habits through the experience of being responsible for their own money. Parents can establish up to four PayPal sub-accounts for their teens, transferring funds into those accounts when needed, on a one-time or recurring basis.Read more

Travel-tough USB Drives Provide PC, Mac and Linux Users with Up to 8GB of Removable Storage

August 11, 2009 - Verbatim announced today its new ''TUFF-'N'-TINY™" family of ultra-portable USB drives with capacities of 4GB in emerald green and 8GB in royal purple. Among the most compact, durable USB flash drives on the market, the new TUFF-'N'-TINY drives measure about 1-inch long, one-half inch wide and are the thickness of a penny. Ideal for storing, backing up, sharing and transporting data and multimedia files, Verbatim TUFF-'N'-TINY USB Drives are available with retail prices starting as low as US$30.00.

With support for Windows, Mac and Linux systems, the TUFF-'N'-TINY USB Drives also provide true cross-platform compatibility and a convenient way to transfer files between systems. Verbatim's new travel-tough USB drives include a key ring lanyard that can be clipped on a key ring, PDA or cell phone to ensure that the user's data is always conveniently at hand.Read more

August 10, 2009 – NETGEAR today announced the availability of its latest powerline networking kit for turning electrical power outlets into high-speed Internet and home network connections. As a 2009 CES Innovations Award winner, NETGEAR's Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (XAVB1004) makes it possible to connect multiple Ethernet-enabled entertainment devices - such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, HDTVs and media streaming set-top boxes - to the Internet and the home network simultaneously. Through a high-speed powerline connection of up to 200 Mbps, this powerline kit enables high-performance applications such as HD video streaming, Voice over IP (VoIP), Internet gaming and large file transfers to networked devices in the home theater.

The kit contains one Powerline AV Adapter with 4-port Ethernet Switch (XAV1004) and one Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101). This "no new wires" powerline technology enables customers to carry high-speed data network traffic on their existing electrical wiring - using affordable, simple to install adapters. Additionally, advanced energy management capabilities provide automatic port- and device-level sleep modes and wake-on-activity functionality to reduce overall energy usage. The kit also incorporates several ease-of-use features: port-based Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure that the highest priority applications are allocated more bandwidth; Push-N-Secure to secure the Powerline AV network with the push of a button; and Pick-a-Plug, a multi-color LED to determine the strength of the powerline connection without having to look at a computer.Read more

Millions of High Speed Internet and FiOS Users Now Provided Access to Thousands of on-the-go, Wi-Fi Hot Spots Across the U.S.

July 27, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon continues to enhance its broadband service capabilities for consumers to offer competitive advantages over rival communication providers.

Since the beginning of the year, Verizon has introduced faster downstream and unprecedented upstream speeds for its all-fiber-optic FiOS Internet service; expanded the reach of its digital subscriber line-based Verizon High Speed Internet (HSI) service; and started offering mini netbook computers to customers as part of select bundle promotions.

And starting Monday (July 27), the company will expand Internet connection capabilities for millions of Verizon broadband customers by providing them free access to thousands of Wi-Fi connections across the U.S., reflecting the company's sharp focus on developing and deploying broadband and entertainment services.Read more

July 27, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- WD today introduced its new one terabyte (TB) and 750 gigabyte (GB) capacity My Passport Essential SE Portable USB Drives. Available now at WD's online store (www.shopwd.com), the new drives feature a titanium silver finish and put massive storage capacity in the palm of your hand.

Perfect for saving, storing and backing up all of the digital memories captured this summer, the new 1 TB and 750 GB capacity My Passport Essential SE drives are light and compact to carry and, because they are USB-powered, they do not need an external power adapter. Equipped with sync and encryption software (Windows-compatible only), this small drive, with mega-capacity, makes it easy to securely carry thousands of songs or videos or photos.

WD Sync software allows consumers to easily take desktop content with them by simplifying the synchronization of essential personal files and Microsoft Outlook data on a PC. Should owners misplace the drive, they know their data is protected with 128-bit encryption.Read more

Retailer Introduces First Ever $298 Compaq Notebook with 3 GB Memory this Weekend

July 23, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With student needs rapidly changing and affordability a top priority, Walmart is making a commitment this summer to provide a wider variety of laptops at unprecedented savings. Building its assortment around student needs and budgets, Walmart worked closely with trusted brands such as HP, Dell, Acer and Toshiba to deliver new products holding not just great value in price but high quality, performance, and variety.

Shoppers will find notebooks and netbooks under $300, new accessories, and units with entertainment features, long-lasting batteries, lighter weights and more colors this year. In addition, Walmart will introduce items with market-leading prices starting this weekend.

"We know all students need solutions that integrate work, entertainment and portability," said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Entertainment, Walmart U.S. "Our increased assortment delivers more targeted offerings from great brands at dramatically affordable prices."

Starting July 26: $298 Compaq Presario Notebook*

For the first time, a 3 GB memory laptop from a well-known brand has ventured below $300. The Compaq Presario CQ60-419WM offers great functionality with a 160 GB hard drive, CD and DVD drive, and Windows Vista pre-loaded in the notebook for the unprecedented price only at Walmart of $298. This price event begins 8 am July 26 in all stores and on Walmart.com while supplies last. Read more

July 2009 – Want to hit the road – but don't think you can leave the job behind? Then take it along for the ride.

This summer, the "anywhere" office comes to life as Home Office Highway '09 reveals the technology, tools and strategies that make taking a vacation a guilt-free and productive adventure.

The two-week road show and social media event will bring "location independence" to the open road in a recreational vehicle equipped with the latest small office technology. Hosted and produced by technology, telework and home office columnist expert Jeff Zbar, the tour will take his family throughout the American South, visiting small towns and popular tourist destinations – and revealing just how productive a traveling family can be."In today's economy, many entrepreneurs and employees feel it's the wrong time to take a break," said Zbar, who will chronicle the adventure each day in blogs and videologues at HomeOfficeHighway.com. The trip will culminate in a presentation at Orlando's Disney Entrepreneur Center.Read more