Microsoft: No more unauthorized sneak peeks at Windows games |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Microsoft's Games for Windows team plans to roll out new piracy protections aimed at preventing people from playing copies of games that leak out prior to their release, Ars Technica reports today from the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. "The bits are encrypted, and there is a one-time activation that checks to see if the game has been released or not, and we'll send out a decrypt code so the game can be played," Microsoft's Drew Johnston tells Ars.
A new book, "Burning the Ships," details the evolution of Microsoft's approach to patents -- a timely topic given the company's TomTom litigation. The authors are Marshall Phelps, Microsoft's corporate vice president for intellectual property policy and strategy, and journalist David Kline. I'm reading it now. CNet's Ina Fried has extracted tidbits on Microsoft's negotiations with Toshiba and Novell.
A new post on the Engineering Windows 7 blog goes into detail -- lots of it -- on the touch-related features planned for the upcoming operating system.
Microsoft is working with the open-source Eclipse Foundation but doesn't plan to become a member, according to this InfoWorld report. On the broader subject of Microsoft's relationship with the open-source community, also see this post by Matt Asay on his CNet blog.
BackWeb Technologies has sued Microsoft for patent infringement, targeting the Redmond company's Automatic Update technology.
And finally, Joe Wilcox of Microsoft Watch offers up a funny list of suggested gifts for Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer upon his 53rd birthday.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.