Microsoft hasn't disclosed any details about its Origami ultraportable device nor does it intend to do so on Thursday, as reported by a number of sources. However, the Origami Web site has just been updated to "week 2" (of 3), and it's a tad less mysterious than last week's message.

The simple Flash-powered site greets the user, then asks: "Wondering where to find me?" You can find it in the city, on the golf links, the mountains ("way up here"), the subway, and inside a car ("even here"); "I am everywhere you are... but never in the way." Yes, but what do you do? We'll find out next Thursday.

Permalink | 1 comment

• Read also: PDAs
• Email to a friend | Print this post

Mitsubishi-brand TV owners are having problems receiving HD content via the new MovieBeam service, with the box's high-definition copy protection (HDCP) being the likely culprit. Mitsubishians who input the MovieBeam box via HDMI--the only way to watch movies in high-def through the service--are finding themselves handicapped by HDCP, with only the option to watch in standard def available. The standard-definition analog outputs function properly. Originally the problem was believed to be the digital video recorder integrated with some of Mitsubishi's sets, but further digging has uncovered that most, if not all of the company's sets are currently MovieBeam-HD-incompatible. MovieBeam's rep has stated that this "relatively simple fix" is a top priority, and a firmware update will be sent as soon as possible. In the meantime, MovieBeam is offering a refund of the $30 activation fee for anyone affected by the problem. Mitsubishi's rep said he had not been aware of the issue until contacted by CNET but noted that the company would do "everything they can" on its end. HDMI had no comment, but that's likely because it's a metal port on the back of a TV.

For the time being, CNET has added an editor's note to our First Take regarding the problem. We will keep you updated with any further developments. Hopefully, this is the last HDCP mishap we'll run across. Blu-ray and HD-DVD--consider yourselves warned.

Thanks to CNET reader Michael Boccio for clueing us in.

Permalink | 3 comments

• Read also: Home audio
• Email to a friend | Print this post

It seems Microsoft's Apple-like attempts to create a little buzz about its mysterious Origami device are working. After all, I just used Microsoft, buzz, and mysterious in the same sentence. So what can we expect from the promised "more details" on Thursday? I don't know about you, but I'm hoping for Bill Gates in a black turtleneck and jeans.

Permalink | 12 comments

• Read also: Buzz
• Email to a friend | Print this post

OK, first there was the flap over who controls the Internet. Now VeriSign and ICANN have made this sketchy deal where both of them get to make a bunch of money off of controlling the .com domain. And then you have China trying to create its own top-level domains and threatening to fracture the Internet entirely. Help us, Google Internet 2.0! You're our only hope!

Permalink | 2 comments

• Read also: Buzz
• Email to a friend | Print this post

Now that we've all mostly recovered from our Apple announcement high-then-hangover, here's the general word on the streets: Eh. To be fair, Apple didn't promise much more than "fun" and "new," which is basically what we got (other than, really, a whole lot of fun). But hey, there's always the next announcement, right? Woo! Can't wait! Bring it!

Permalink | 3 comments

• Read also: Buzz
• Email to a friend | Print this post

Nintendo has released its redesign of the Nintendo DS, the DS Lite in Japan today, Thursday March 2, 2006. Don't worry--you haven't missed Lost. It's just those wacky time zones playing tricks on you. As I release this message onto the Net, it's actually a little after 4 a.m. in the land of the rising sun, and many a drowsy DS fan are undoubtedly enjoying the new system after a midnight opening. The handheld, which was originally supposed to launch in three colors--iPod crystal white, ice blue, and enamel navy--is currently available only in white, with the blue offshoots available in a little more than a week. In the meantime, check out our First Take and slide show for the DS Lite, then weigh in with your own opinion. We have a white one on order, so expect a full review soon after it arrives. We'd let you know exactly when it's supposed to arrive, but the online shipping receipt doesn't specify whether it's in Japanese or U.S. time.

Permalink | 2 comments

• Read also: Gaming
• Email to a friend | Print this post