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<title>Haaze.com / limpnoli5 / All</title>
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
<language>en</language>
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<title><![CDATA[Microsoft sued over refunds on Windows copies]]></title>
<link>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=microsoft-sued-over-refunds-on-windows-copies</link>
<comments>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=microsoft-sued-over-refunds-on-windows-copies</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:10:47 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>limpnoli5</dc:creator>
<category>Mobile &amp; Electronics</category>
<guid>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=microsoft-sued-over-refunds-on-windows-copies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A class action lawsuit against Microsoft has been filed in Italy by a group claiming that it's too difficult to procure a refund for the copies of Windows that come bundled in new PCs. (Credit:Microsoft)The case, which was filed in Milan by the Associazione per i Diritti degli Utenti e Consumatori (ADUC), and picked up by The Register earlier today, points to Microsoft's end user license agreement (EULA)--as outlined in various copies of Windows--noting that once users turn their computer on and begin to use it, they are no longer able to return the software for a refund. Furthermore, the group says consumers who buy computers with OEM copies of Windows installed have more difficulties in getting a refund than those who purchased a retail copy of the OS. The lawsuit notes that users who buy and install the OS itself, but that don't agree to the EULA, are entitled to a return from the place where they bought it. OEM buyers, however, are at the whim of their system seller or installer for a refund, which has historically proven to be a difficult process, it says.To avail these issues, the class action suit seeks a hearing and also to nullify the section of the EULA that requires users go to OEMs instead of Microsoft for refunds. When asked for comment, a Microsoft representative said it should be pointed out the company's licensing agreements with OEMs are non-exclusive, and that users are &quot;free to purchase PCs with a non-Microsoft operating system, or without any operating system,&quot; but that having Windows preinstalled &quot;provides the best user experience.&quot; Even so, the represenative reiterated that any returns or refunds still have to be handled through the OEM, and not Microsoft itself.&quot;Customers who purchase a PC from an OEM with Windows preinstalled and then wish to return the PC and/or the preinstalled software should consult the OEM's return/refund policies,&quot; the spokesperson said.Twelve years ago, a group of Linux users in the United States sought refunds for OEM copies of Windows as part of a campaign called &quot;Windows Refund Day.&quot; Instead of going to OEMs though, as Microsoft outlines in its EULA, those users went directly to the company's offices in Silicon Valley. Even then though, Microsoft pointed users back to the PC makers, saying &quot;when a consumer purchases a new PC, the license for Windows resides with that specific PC maker, and each PC maker has its own process for working with customers on licensing issues.&quot;You can see copy of the lawsuit, which is in Italian and is a PDF, here. There's also the group's statement, also in Italian, here.Update at 12:33 p.m. PT: A Microsoft spokesperson outlined its current policies to CNET. These have been reflected in the updated version of the above article:&quot;Consumers are free to purchase PCs with a non-Microsoft operating system, or without any operating system. However, consumers benefit from the pre-installation of Windows on PCs. It provides the best user experience from the time a consumer first turns on the PC, and saves consumers the substantial effort and resources associated with having to install an operating system that functions properly.Computer manufacturers (known as original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs) are free to sell PCs preinstalled with another operating system or no operating system at all.It's also important to note that Microsoft's agreements with OEMs are nonexclusive. Customers who purchase a PC from an OEM with Windows preinstalled and then wish to return the PC and/or the preinstalled software should consult the OEM's return/refund policies.&quot; <br/><br/>0 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Apple criticized in Chinese environmental report]]></title>
<link>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=apple-criticized-in-chinese-environmental-report</link>
<comments>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=apple-criticized-in-chinese-environmental-report</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:10:27 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>limpnoli5</dc:creator>
<category>Mobile &amp; Electronics</category>
<guid>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=apple-criticized-in-chinese-environmental-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Apple has been accused by a coalition of 36 Chinese environmental groups of ignoring hazardous and unhealthy conditions at the factories in China where its components are assembled.Released yesterday by the Institute of Environmental and Public Affairs (IPE), the report &quot;The Other Side of Apple&quot; ranked theiPhone maker dead last among 29 other tech companies for their responsiveness to health and environmental concerns in China.Specifically, the report claims that Apple ignored concerns at Wintek, a factory that makes touch screens for the iPhone andiPad as well as components for other companies. Wintek came under fire in 2009 when plant workers were exposed to n-hexane poisoning. A number of workers went on strike and later sued Wintek, which eventually removed the toxic substance from use at its factories.Wintek workers also appealed directly to Apple at the time, according to a 2009 report from AppleInsider. But it's unclear if Apple has even acknowledged Wintek as a supplier.IPE Director Ma Jun told Bloomberg News in a phone interview that Apple refused to confirm that suspected polluters were among its suppliers and avoided taking responsibility for environmental problems related to its products. Apple was also criticized in the report for its response to the worker suicides at the Foxconn plant last year. Though Apple at the time said it had contacted Foxconn management regarding the incidents, the report gives the impression that the company's response was rather cavalier, citing a e-mail from CEO Steve Jobs that reportedly read: &quot;Although every suicide is tragic, Foxconn's suicide rate is well below the China average. We are all over this.&quot;The IPE added that Apple allegedly didn't answer requests for information about some of its more problematic suppliers, another issue that put the company at the bottom of its list.&quot;We originally thought that Apple, as a corporate citizen, would take a leadership role, but now we feel they ended up as the most obstructive,&quot; Ma told Bloomberg.We've reached out to both Apple and the IPE for comment on the report and will update the story if we hear back from them.On a more positive side, British Telecommunications, Hewlett-Packard, Samsung, Sanyo, and Sony were the top five tech players lauded in the report for their environmental responsiveness.<br/><br/>0 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[CES: iHome iA63 iPhone speaker dock puts a spin on the traditional alarm clock]]></title>
<link>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=ces-ihome-ia63-iphone-speaker-dock-puts-a-spin-on-the-traditional-alarm-clock</link>
<comments>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=ces-ihome-ia63-iphone-speaker-dock-puts-a-spin-on-the-traditional-alarm-clock</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 08:10:30 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>limpnoli5</dc:creator>
<category>Technology</category>
<guid>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=ces-ihome-ia63-iphone-speaker-dock-puts-a-spin-on-the-traditional-alarm-clock</guid>
<description><![CDATA[LAS VEGAS--The new iHome iA63 speaker dock and alarm clock makes it easy to switch youriPhone oriPod from vertical to landscape mode. With the touch of a button, the dock rotates your device with a snazzy spin so you can watch your movies and view images in wide-screen video mode.The iA63 is iHome's newest addition to its line of alarm clocks, so it's compatible with the iHome+Sleep and Home+Radio apps with additional access to six customizable FM radio presets.The iHome iA63 motorized alarm clock will be available soon for $99.<br/><br/>0 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[CES: Sony's Blu-ray HTIBs get as cheap as $400]]></title>
<link>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=ces-sonys-blu-ray-htibs-get-as-cheap-as-400</link>
<comments>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=ces-sonys-blu-ray-htibs-get-as-cheap-as-400</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:10:11 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>limpnoli5</dc:creator>
<category>Technology</category>
<guid>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=ces-sonys-blu-ray-htibs-get-as-cheap-as-400</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Sony BDV-E280(Credit:Sony)LAS VEGAS--Along with its flagship BDV-E780W, Sony also announced two additional Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems. Here's a quick rundown of the key features of the two systems.Key features of the Sony BDV-E280:5.1 home theater system1,000 total watts3D Blu-ray compatibleTwo HDMI inputsBravia Internet Video streaming media suite (Netflix, Amazon VOD, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Slacker, Qriosity)SACD playbackWi-Fi ready (requires USB adapter, sold separately)iPhone/iPod dock includedQuick start mode$400 list price' available in AprilKey step-up features of the Sony BDV-E580:Built-in Wi-FiTwo HDMI inputsDLNA compliantUSB port for media playbackControllable viaiPhone/Android app$500 list price' available in MarchOther manufacturers haven't offered pricing yet, so it's hard to compare. Although the BDV-E280 appears to be relatively inexpensive at first glance, it's worth pointing out that last year's LG LHB535 offered built-in Wi-Fi and two HDMI inputs for under $400.<br/><br/>0 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Qteros raises $22 million for ethanol production, inks developmental partnership]]></title>
<link>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=qteros-raises-22-million-for-ethanol-production-inks-developmental-partnership</link>
<comments>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=qteros-raises-22-million-for-ethanol-production-inks-developmental-partnership</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov -001 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>limpnoli5</dc:creator>
<category>Latest News</category>
<guid>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=qteros-raises-22-million-for-ethanol-production-inks-developmental-partnership</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Biofuels technology startup Qteros announced today it has secured $22 million in the first phase of its third round of financing.The company calls the funds &amp;''sufficient&amp;'' to support continued development and commercialization. Though it did not announce investors, Battery Ventures confirmed it participated in the round, and existing Qteros investors include Venrock Associates, BP Technology Ventures, Valero and George Soros&amp;'s fund, Soros Fund Management.Qteros makes a microbe &amp;8212' the Q microbe &amp;8212' that it says &amp;''dramatically accelerates&amp;'' and streamlines the process in which biomass is transformed into cellulosic ethanol by producing enzymes to break down biomass into sugars while simultaneously co-fermenting the sugars into ethanol. It offers a bioprocessing platform that companies can use in low-cost, large-scale production of ethanol. Biofuels are expected to become cost competitive with traditional gasoline by 2012-2015.Qteros also announced it will partner with Praj, a global Indian company that supplies engineering services and equipment for bioethanol plants. The two will collaborate in a multi-year deal to create process design packages that combine the Q microbe and Praj&amp;'s production engineering design that will be initially marketed to Praj&amp;'s existing customers. The partnership aims to deliver by the end of 2012 process design packages that are optimized to break down sugarcane, corn and wheat. For starters, the companies will retrofit an existing plant in India with Qterosa4a4 technology platform, which the company says will be the foundation for accelerated production scaling.[Photo via Flickr/jayneandd]Next Story: Turn raises another $20M for its automated ad tools Previous Story: OnStar&amp;'s rear-view mirror can now equip any car with communications servicesPrintEmailTwitterFacebookGoogle BuzzLinkedIn      DiggStumbleUponRedditDeliciousGoogleMore&amp;8230'          Tags: bioethanol, biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, ethanolCompanies: Battery Ventures, BP, BP Technology Ventures, Praj, Qteros, Soros Fund Management, Valero, Venrock AssociatesPeople: George Soros          Tags: bioethanol, biofuels, cellulosic ethanol, ethanolCompanies: Battery Ventures, BP, BP Technology Ventures, Praj, Qteros, Soros Fund Management, Valero, Venrock AssociatesPeople: George SorosIris Kuo is the VentureBeat's lead GreenBeat writer. She has reported for The Wall Street Journal in Hong Kong, Houston Chronicle, the McClatchy Washington Bureau and Dallas public radio. Iris attended the University of Texas at Dallas and lives in Houston. Follow Iris on Twitter @thestatuskuo (and yes, that's how you  pronounce her last name).VentureBeat has new weekly email newsletters.  Stay on top of the news, and don't miss a beat.<br/><br/>0 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Google Voice tests cellphone number porting for $20]]></title>
<link>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=google-voice-tests-cellphone-number-porting-for-20</link>
<comments>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=google-voice-tests-cellphone-number-porting-for-20</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov -001 00:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
<dc:creator>limpnoli5</dc:creator>
<category>Latest News</category>
<guid>http://www.haaze.com/story.php?title=google-voice-tests-cellphone-number-porting-for-20</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Google  is expanding its testing of a long-awaited feature for Google Voice, the  ability to port your current mobile number to the service, Engadget reports.Number porting on Google Voice has been talked about for years now, but Google tells Search Engine Land that ita4a4s only recently gotten over some back-end technical hurdles that will make the porting process easier.Porting  your number costs $20, and it will also end your current cellular  service plan &amp;8212' which means you may have to pay early termination fees  if youa4a4re still under contract. And since that leaves your phone without  a cellular number of its own, youa4a4ll have to call your carrier and  arrange for a new number on your device.The  expanded testing, which will only go on for a limited amount of time, is a  sign that Google is close to bringing the feature to all Google Voice  users. The feature was previously available to some users but couldna4a4t take advantage of everything Google Voice had to offer.  For example, you couldna4a4t use Google Voicea4a4s nifty voicemail  transcription feature after porting your number.For  some, the cost and headache of porting their numbers will be  worthwhile. It effectively means youa4a4ll never have to port your number  again when you switch service providers &amp;8212' assuming you want to continue  using Google Voice. Given how deeply the service is implemented in  Android phones, you could easily rely on your Google Voice number more  than your cellphonea4a4s actual number. Google also recently released a native iPhone app for Google Voice.As  a Google Voice user, I honestly dona4a4t think number porting is as useful  as the ability to create vanity phone numbers. When first signing up,  Google Voice lets you create your own customized phone number which can  use any available area code and gives you the option of spelling out  words. But given that Google is positioning Voice to be a complete  replacement for your current phone plan, the addition of number porting  will certainly be welcomed by users.Next Story: Bloom Energy &amp;''not focused&amp;'' on fuel cells IPO, no plans for a mini-Bloom Box Previous Story: Ask the accountant: VentureBeat fields your tax questionsPrintEmailTwitterFacebookGoogle BuzzLinkedIn      DiggStumbleUponRedditDeliciousGoogleMore&amp;8230'          Tags: Google Voice, phones, telephony, voipCompanies: Google          Tags: Google Voice, phones, telephony, voipCompanies: GoogleDevindra Hardawar is VentureBeat's lead mobile writer and East Coast correspondent. He studied philosophy at Amherst College, worked in IT support for several years, and has been writing about technology since 2004. He now lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can reach him at devindra@venturebeat.com (all story pitches should also be sent to tips@venturebeat.com), and on Twitter at @Devindra. Have news to share Launching a startup Email: tips@venturebeat.comVentureBeat has new weekly email newsletters.  Stay on top of the news, and don't miss a beat.<br/><br/>0 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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