Posted 06/15/09 at 02:30:35 PM by Paul Lilly

We're not sure what to make of this, other than maybe Microsoft is trying a wee bit too hard to be hip. Or maybe it's a reminder that pretty much anything is patentable. In any event, the software maker has filed a patent for a "Hot or Not" interface allowing viewers to rate one another's fashion sense via uploaded pics. Taken from the patent application:

"The contributor uploads self images for viewing and rating (or voting) by viewers who choose provide an opinion on different fashion and/or cosmetic looks of the contributor. The contributor takes images show the contributor presented with a number (e.g., two) of different fashion choices. The snapshots can then be processed for upload to a website or other accessible location by one or more viewers. The viewers can cast a vote for one of the images by selecting the desired image, in response to which the viewer and/or contributor will be presented with overall statistics for that set of images as to how other viewers voted, as well as a next set of photos depicting the user in a different fashion and/or cosmetic choice. This process can continue until terminated."

It's called the Online Personal Appearance Advisor and, well, we're not really sure what Microsoft might be cooking up, but we're hoping it's nothing like this.

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Posted 08/03/08 at 01:25:46 AM by Paul Lilly

Low cost ultraportables are starting to veer out of their budget pricing tier, a trend that will soon include Asus and its Eee PCs, the netbooks many consider to be responsible for popularizing the recent trend.

According to Asus president Jerry Shen, the company will launch more Eee PCs designed to address different market segments, including the high-end. Helping them to do it will be Intel, who Shen said is expected to keep shipping Atom N270 CPUs through the first half of 2009. So much for the Atom shortage.

Adding to the existing lineup of 11 Eee PC models, Asus will introduce two new categories, Ultimate and Pro Fashion, for a 2008 release. Both new models will come equipped with dual-core Atom processors and either a 120GB hard drive or a 32GB SSD. Models equipped with a solid-state drive will also feature a 10.1 inch 16:9 LED backlit panel, 4-5 hours of battery life, and command between $700 and $900, making them the first Eee PCs targeted at the high-end market.

Can netbooks still hold their appeal when approaching the $1,000 mark?

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