Project Natal has a name – Kinect!
Tracking your every move has never been easier!
Microsoft have announced a new name for their Xbox 360 motion-tracking peripheral today. The Microsoft Kinect - a play on 'kinetic' and 'connect' - allows users of the XBOX360 console to interact with their games and media without a physical controller.
TPG to release unlimited ADSL2+ for $75 per month
Australia is finally going unlimited!
Yes, you've read correctly, TPG is going unlimited! A representative of TPG who goes by the name 'Dan.S' has posted the following on Whirlpool:
Microsoft Reveals ‘Windows Phone 7 Series’
A whole new mobile platform has emerged, eager to topple the efforts of Apple and Google.
It's official, Microsoft have released their new mobile OS. It's not Windows Mobile any more, in name nor functionality - it's literally a new OS experience. Playing on their lucky 7 history (read: Windows 7), Microsoft has taken the plunge to deliver a fancy new way to cater to user wants and needs. I've scoured the Internet for information on this new competitor, and have collated the main points of interest.
‘Anonymous’, the saviour of idiocy?
Fight the good fight, just don't go kicking own goals in the process.
If you haven't already heard, there was a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack on Australian government servers recently. The intent was to bring attention to the message "no one messes with our access to perfectly legal (or illegal) content for any reason." The culprits go by the name 'Anonymous', and appear to have a strong opinion against Senator Conroy's decision to censor Australian Internet. It's fair to assume that these attacks were to prove how powerful this group is, and that messing with their rights to free speech and access on the Internet will not be taken lightly. A protest, of sorts. But was this attack a demonstration against an Internet clean feed, or another chip on the anti-censorship sholder?
Surprise! A forum!
So the blog was hit with a nasty attack recently which caused some disruption. But that's all sorted now, and as a little surprise, I've created a forum! You can access it by hitting the 'Forum' button below the header logo. You may notice that there's already some posts in it. I've migrated my existing forum into the new one, so there's some content and members to mingle with. If you haven't already, sign up and get into it! I'll be on there regularly, so if you need any advice in regards to tech, don't hesitate to start a thread.
I hope to see you there!
- Vito Cassisi
Sorry for the downtime!
It has come to my attention that the blog has been down since approximately 19:08 AEDST. Upon investigation, it would appear that someone with access to the server removed the directories corresponding to this blog, and another forum of mine. Fortunately the database was not accessed or modified in any way.
I don't have details on who is responsible, or why these directories were removed, however I am investigating if it was a malicious attack.
Sorry for any inconvenience guys,
Vito Cassisi
UPDATE (0:40 - 17/01/09):
It turns out that spammers have hijacked my hosting service, possibly via an insecure forum/WordPress script. The hosting provider is currently working on tracking down the source of the problem. It saddens me that they're relaying spam via my domain. Hopefully all this will be sorted soon.
UPDATE (03:00 - 17/01/09):
Passwords have been changed and everything seems to be fine. Will keep a lookout for any suspicious activity.
Australian CRB makeshift R18+ classification for AvP
Sega refuses to tone down the game, the CRB pull some strings, and voilà!
The struggle between an R18+ game classification and Attorney General Michael Atkinson's conservative views has taken an unexpected twist today. Sega's long awaited game Aliens vs Predator (AvP) was refused classification on the 3rd of December due to its high level of realistic violence, but has has been overturned after an appeal by the developer. The games new MA15+ classification comes with a warning of "Strong science fiction violence" which apparently excuses the R18+ level of mature gameplay.
TPG Upgrade ADSL2+ Plans
One of Australia's largest ISPs has given its customers an early Christmas gift.
TPG has recently announced its new ADSL2+ plans to remain one of the best value ISPs on the market. Existing customers can upgrade their service to an equivalently priced upgraded plan free of charge, with no risk of a contract restart. Their most popular plan, the $50 a month 'Super Fast Standard' offering, now boasts 512k shaping and 120GB of downloads. But, it would appear that everyone is in for a treat.
Australian CRB – A joke of the highest order!
The Australian Classification Review Board are making decisions so undeniably mentally handicapped, that they can't even agree with themselves!
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Consistency is key. That's what my high school English teachers used to tell me. If you're going to produce mediocre work, at least be consistent about it. There's nothing like a wave of marks which show that you're not only incompetent, but lazy. Do well, do shit, do well, do shit. It reeks of 'I can't be fucked'. So when I heard that Australia's 'Classification Review Board', now known as the 'epitome of incompetence' released their revised stance on the yet to be released game Left4Dead 2, I couldn't help but notice the lack of consistency that this board appears to thrive on.
Take a walk on the Byteside
Australia's got a brand new chat sensation!
When Australia's best journalists get together to form a brand-spanking-new geek driven live show, you know you're in for a treat. Ben Mansill, founder of the enthusiast magazines Atomic and PC PowerPlay, and Seamus Byrne, dedicated freelance writer, have fused their oversized grey-matter processing devices to produce what has quickly become a hit amongst geeks.
Windows 7 officially in the hands of OEM partners
Another step closer to the release of the latest and greatest Windows OS to date
Windows 7 was officially signed off as RTM status only a few days ago. Now it's in the hands of major OEM partners so they can implement them into their PC offerings.
Windows 7 to have ‘Family Pack’
Windows 7 reaches RTM, and offers 'family pack'.
Microsoft blogger Brandon LeBlanc has confirmed that Windows 7 will indeed be offered with a family pack. This 'pack' allows home users to install Microsoft's latest OS on 3 PCs within a home. Home Premium is the only version involved with family pack licensing.
Alien Facade: Tubifex Worms Invade North Carolina
They're slimy, pulsating colonies, set out to invade via sewer!
North Carolina watch out! There's been Internet hype for the last few days about an apparent sewage life form with alien-like physique. Fortunately, it's now safe to go outdoors - and flush the toilet. No, the military didn't go in with flamethrowers and machetes to tackle this clearly threatening beast. It was solved with science!
We’re now doing news and interviews!
We're expanding our scope, care to join us?
I've been discussing the future of this site with a few peeps in the journalism industry, and I've decided that future posts will include news stories and interviews. But not just any old news stories, only the ones that are exciting and genuinely interesting will be covered to spare you the anguish. :P
The interviews will be with those who are making a mark either on the Internet, gaming, and tech scenes. I'm currently contacting possible interviewees, watch this space!