22 January 2012

MegaUpload: We Want Our Site Back

MegaUpload, which was shutdown Thursday over allegations of copyright infringement, is attempting to get its servers back and get the website back online according to the company’s lawyer.
“The company is looking at its legal options for getting back its servers and its domain and getting its servers back up online,” Megaupload’s lawyer Ira Rothken told Reuters. “Megaupload will vigorously defend itself.”
MegaUpload and seven of its executives were charged on Thursday, and are currently being held by American authorities.
“It is really offensive to say that just because people can upload bad things, therefore Megaupload is automatically responsible,” Mr. Rothken said to Reuters.
Mr. Rothken was adamant that the company only offered online storage.

Microsoft Posts Record Revenue but Windows Continues to Decline

Despite quickly declining Windows sales, Microsoft’s latest earnings report show the company has posted record revenue.
The company posted $20.89 billion in revenue (a 5 percent overall increase) during the second quarter of their fiscal year. Of that revenue $4.74 billion came from the Windows division, $4.24 billion came from the Entertainment & Devices division (a 15% increase), and $6.28 billion came from the Business division (which is responsible for Office).
The Windows division accounted for 6 percent less of Microsoft’s than it did a year ago, accounting for 22.7% of the company’s total sales. This is the lowest it has been since Q3 2009 — a half-year interregnum between the end of Vista’s reign and weeks before the launch of Windows 7 — when it was 20.3%.
“We delivered solid financial results, even as we prepare for a launch year that will accelerate many of our key products and services,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO. “Coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show, we’re seeing very positive reviews for our new phones and PCs, and a strong response to our new Metro style design that will unify consumer experiences across our phones, PCs, tablets, and television in 2012.”
“Microsoft’s Windows division continued to slide,” said Allan Krans, an analyst with Technology Business Research, to Computerworld.” This marked the fifth consecutive quarter of incremental or negative revenue growth for the division.”


In an earnings call to investors Microsoft says that shifting consumer buying behaviors, from PCs to “competing form factors” (read: tablet-culture), is responsible for the decline in Windows revenues.

Intel Restructures Management Team

Intel has restructured their management team, appointing long time executive Brian Krzanich to the position of Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Krzanich, 51, will continue to oversee worldwide manufacturing for the world’s top chip manufacturer, while handling internal operations as well.
Previous to his appointment as Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Krzanich had been the senior vice president in charge of worldwide manufacturing. As Intel has a long standing tradition of hiring CEOs from within the company, Mr. Krzanich is largely seen as being the heir to the throne; current chief executive Paul Otellini served as COO before being appointed to the top job.


Under Intel bylaws, Mr. Otellini, 61, can continue to serve as CEO until May 2016, when he’ll reach the company’s mandatory retirement age, an Intel spokeswoman told Bloomberg.
This executive reshuffle comes a day after the chipmaker beat Wall Street’s moderate quarterly expectations. In an earnings call to investors, Intel says the reshuffling reflects plans reflect efforts to dramatically increase capital spending in order to catch up to competitors in the tablet and smartphone market.
Intel’s shares gained 1.6 percent to $26.04 in midday trade as investors welcomed its stable quarterly results.

Spire Announces the BlackDragon Series Power Supplies

The BlackDragon are the new and evolved ATX power supply series aimed at the PC enthusiast and PC gamer. Equipped with selected all new high-quality components, supplying optimal power under the most demanding circumstances.
New highlights of the BlackDragon series are: Version 2.3 specification compliant, advanced circuit design with better Japanese grade A components supporting the newest Intel & AMD dual core .64 & .45 process multi-core micro-processors and supporting 4-way SLI / Crossfire GPUs.
Auto-thermal fan control, maximizing the BlackDragon’s cooling performance whilst maintaining reduced sound levels. Energy sufficient, BlackDragon series power supplies are compliant with the Energy Star & Blue Angel standards. Housed in cool black powdered coated enclosures with embossed Spire logo, the BlackDragon series are backed by the award winning service program and 2 years warranty. Spire – Powered by Innovation.
Main Features:
- ATX Ver.2.3 Specification Compliant
- Black Sleeved cables and black EZ-Connectors
- EMI Shielded VGA/HDD Power Connectors
- Supports the newest Intel & AMD based systems
- Cool-Blue LED 120 mm Auto PMW silent DC fan
- Completely silent 10.0 dBA under 250 W up to 45C / 113F
- High Efficiency (86%) up to 30% less power consumption
- Compliant with ErP Lot 6 2010: 5Vsb AC input < 1W maximum draw at standby & off mode
- I/O/OVP/OLP and SCP Short Circuit- Overload- Over Power- & current-Protection


Compatibility:
The BlackDragon power supply series are compatible with Intel Version 2.03 ATX, SSI EPS 12V 2.91 standards and Micro ATX standards.
MSRP:
€61.50 / $79.99 (400 W), €73.50 / $95.99 (500 W), €109.95 / $139.99 (600 W)