Although taking a few months longer than expected, Automattic and the volunteer developers have finally released version 3.4 of the widely used WordPress blogging platform. Those who upgrade to the new edition will enjoy such features as the ability to test themes before applying them to the entire blog site and the ability to add HTML code to their caption photos.
Adobe announced Captivate 6, a significant upgrade to its industry-leading eLearning authoring software for rapidly creating a wide range of interactive eLearning and HTML5-based mobile Learning content. Designed with today’s mobile learners in mind, Captivate 6 enables eLearning developers, corporate trainers, educators and other business users to help deliver dynamic, SCORM- and AICC-compliant course content that is accessible anytime, anywhere.
Now at version 1.5, My Xbox Live enables iPhone users who have XBox 360s to control their console using their iPad or iPhone in a whole new way. Previously the My Xbox Live app only allowed users to track and compare user profiles and achievements, connect with Xbox Live friends, and manipulate your 3D avatar. Now, Microsoft has included the capability to access a variety of entertainment content located on your XBox 360 using the My Xbox Live app as a remote.
For those of you who love to customize your desktop apps down to every minute detail, then you’ll probably be interested in the latest update to the Opera browser. Most obviously, the latest upgrade focuses on aesthetics. Opera is adding Themes to the mix, allowing users to add a “lightweight” skin and design to the browser window. Lightweight is the keyword as often times these kinds of graphic-heavy additions can slow load times considerably, making the user experience frustrating.
Google was working on its Chrome Metro style browser, but the company has released an early version for Windows 8 Release Preview users. Chrome's Metro mode can be activated by installing the latest dev channel release from Google and switching it to the default browser in Windows 8 Release Preview. This switch enables Chrome to run in a Metro container, but not in the typical way you'd expect a Metro style app to function.
Apple previewed iOS 6, introducing over 200 new features to the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, and released a beta version to iOS Developer Program members. iOS 6 will be available to iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users this fall as a free software update.
Adobe announced Adobe Connect 9, the latest version of the company’s Web conferencing software for enterprises and government agencies worldwide. Adobe Connect 9 delivers an all-in-one solution for producing webinars, as well as innovations in mobile-to-mobile collaboration and mobile learning.
Toshiba announced a handful of new Windows 7 devices at Computex, but the company's also ready to talk Windows 8. David Pierce got a chance to see some of the initial hardware prototypes designed to run Microsoft's next OS — reps told us Toshiba is an incredibly close launch partner for Windows 8 — and it looks like manufacturers are really starting to think about different ways Windows 8 can be used.
Xbox SmartGlass was one of the lone new technologies unveiled by Microsoft at this year's E3, but its potential as a second screen -- using your own smartphone or tablet running Windows 8, Android, or iOS -- is fascinating. Xbox SmartGlass was demonstrated in more detail in a breakout session this evening, showing off video, gaming, and remote control possibilities as well as running through future concepts.
Microsoft has unveiled a revamped music service, called Xbox Music, as it looks to better compete against the likes of Apple's iTunes, Pandora, and Spotify. The company unveiled the service as part of its press conference at the E3 gaming event. Microsoft said the service will include 30 million tracks available on the Xbox, as well as Windows 8 devices such as PCs and tablets.