Rumors of the Zune Phone seem to be turning into more of a reality.  First, came the code in the latest update of the Zune software.  Now, speculation of Nvidia chips and announcement of the device at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona February 15.  If they can now just integrate Zune into Windows Media Center, life would be good and we can begin the migration from itunes to Zune!

Just saw this on Engagdet and I want one.  Now, were to put it?  Family room, office, both?

Engadget is reporting that ESPN and Microsoft will soon be streaming content into the XBOX 360 via an article in the New York Times!  More and more content has been flowing into the Xbox (Media Center, Netflix, etc) and making it a vital part of the digital home ecosystem.  Who needs Blue Ray when the bandwidth will be able to deliver the quality of content anyway.

This week is CES so expect some commentary here about the latest from the world of Windows Media Center, Windows Phone and possibly so other topics of interested related to my passion about technology.

Announcement #4: Microsoft New Mantra '3 Screens & the Cloud' Getting Traction

Microsoft's new mantra of '3 Screens & the Cloud' is picking up traction with a hardened focus on Entertainment through Windows Media Center, Xbox and apparently Mediaroom 2.0.  I still think they could close the loop faster with the proliferation of Windows Media Center remotes in stores (they sell Xbox remotes, why not Windows Media Center?) and closing the gap with Zune on Windows Media Center (just build a plug-un guys!) and Zune HD Phone. 

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Announcement #3: Microsoft Auto 4.0

I am a Chevy man 100%, but MS Synch is making me reconsider!  More to follow.

Announcement #2: Windows Phone 7

The big announcement is there will be no announcement until the MObile World Congress next month in Barcelona!  They really need to build in the OS on Zune or vice versa (and build Zune integration into Windows Media Center).  That would close the loop.  Everyone thinks MS is out of the mobile market, but the fact is there are more Windows Phone devices than any other platform and smartphone penetration is only at 20% so there is still a lot of headroom in the market with MS holding a key advantage!

Announcement #1: Ceton Prices its Quad CableCARD Tuner!

Engadget reported that the Cetaon Quad CableCARD will be $399.  If you are not using Windows Media Center (in most versions of Windows now) you should really try it.  Its great fo consuming, storing and distributing media (especically via XBOX 360) in the home.  If you are using Windows Media Center without a TV tuner, you are not really using it at all.  Stepping up to an integrated CableCard which gets rid of the need for the IR blasters and delivers premium cable HD channels takes it to a whole new level.  We just did this and its a massive step up from just ClearQAM.  Now, with Ceton adding the ability to leverage one CableCARD into four tuners you shouldn't really ever have a live HD conflict in the house again!

Over the holidays, my trusty HP m1170n desktop went down after 5+ years of service.  I bought a new HP p6210f to replace it which was a great step up at least I initially thought.  Already having a nice graphic card, I added my current Nvidia card to connect up my other two monitors but only two of the three monitors worked.  After consulting HP Support they noted that once you add another graphics card, the onboard disables!  They had no solution and I couldn't believe a PC a bought 5 years ago could run three monitors on two graphic cards, but a current model couldn't.  What a step backwards!

However, after nosing around on HP Support boards and Neowin, I was referred on to an HP USB Graphics Adapter that could resolve this issue!  Not great product knowledge on HP Support side, but shows you the power of community!  Now my local setup is back rocking!

I took the site down while we migrated our servers back to ServerBeach and redesigned the site.  After about a year of hosting onsite and the hassle of ongoing power and provider issues, we decided not have to worry about power and provider issues and go back to Server Beach for our hosting.  The blog will take on a new angle in promoting my personal life passions rather than broad opinions.  I have not decided to load the previous posts and will cross that bridge once I get my hands on the drives from the servers in Chicago.  Until then I will make one post per week and everyone else can keep up with me on Facebook, twitter or LinkedIn.