OnLive takes aim at console, computer gaming market

The Game Developers Conference got a bit lively when an upstart company shot across the bow of the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii.

Last night, OnLive showcased their on-demand gaming service at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in California. A live video stream was offered by GameSpot’s On the Spot online show.

Based on customized server hardware and new video compression software, OnLive will allow TVs and computers to play video games on demand. The service promises to offer the latest high-end titles at a better cost value.

Steve Perlman, Founder and CEO of OnLive, led the presentation with COO Mike McGarvey. The company had developed the technology behind the on demand service in secret for the last seven years.

If this actually works out, it would be awesome. :-D

Hope it doesn’t turn into a Phantom though. ^^;;

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 8 now available

Want better web browser security from Internet Explorer?

Today, Windows users can download a copy of Internet Explorer 8 from Microsoft’s Web site to install on their PCs.

PC World reported that over the past year, Microsoft has been emphasizing IE8′s faster performance, support for Internet standards and better security. The browser is available in 25 languages.

Windows 7, Microsoft’s new operating system, will allow users to disable IE8. This choice was influenced by an ongoing antitrust investigation from the European Union.

Another victory for open Internet standards. Hope this means less Web site design headaches. :-D

[From PC World]

Microsoft executive to protect federal computers

Would you hire someone who’s worked at a company with a spotty security reputation to secure your computers?

The Department of Homeland Security recently hired Philip Reitinger as its new deputy undersecretary of the National Protections Program Directorate, which is responsible for protecting government computers and networks.

Reitinger was previously Microsoft’s chief trustworthy infrastructure strategist, where he was responsible for creating and increasing security of infrastructures.

Wired reported that people in the security industry believe that Microsoft has caused lax computer security in government and infrastructure systems. These critics find Reitinger’s selection as ironic.

Dan Geer, vice president of Verdasys, a computer security company, believes that Reitinger’s experience during his time at Microsoft may help increase security in his new position.

Guess we’ll see in a few months just how secure federal cyber systems will hold up. ;-P