Microsoft just released the BETA version of Windows Live Essentials.

Windows Live Essentials consist a list of useful software by Microsoft like the Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Movie Maker, Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Sync and more. It’s all under the Windows Live brand name. Also include is a new version of Windows Live Messenger.

I was curious so I downloaded the whole BETA version of Windows Live Essentials to check out what’s new and the big changes is the new Windows Live Messenger, an IM software that I always use. The contact list has changed, now added a sidebar showing all the social and status update. It can have Facebook and Myspace update there but I somehow couldn’t get it work. I can’t change my display name like before, it couldn’t fancy, it’s very standard with my first name and last name. I don’t like it. I like fancy display name. Add on and hacks of course are not working with the new Live Messenger BETA.

There’s tabbed conversation window but I prefer a separate one. Used it for like a few minutes, couldn’t get myself comfortable with the new one and I uninstalled it and install back the old Live Messenger. I believe this is not a final one, they will change, for sure. As for other essentials software, I didn’t try it though because I never use them.

Download the Windows Live Essentials here. Then share your experience. =D

Belkin has been famous in the router and modem for quite some time already and recently they have release a new lineup for their router, bring ing the new 802.11n to home and a redesigned of their modem.

With the new line up, they promote the idea of “Surf, Share and Play” at the same time, running on a simultaneous dual-band wireless N and the Play Max Routers deliver the best speed and performance for streaming HD Videos.

It also features Easy Start and Self-Healing which is for those who are not tech-conscious to go online and keep them surfing. So it’s good for your grandma or grandpa too. Another feature is there’s app built into the router like Print Genie, Music Movier and Daily DJ which utilized the USB ports and your external hard drive.

For torrent freak, there’s Torrent Genie which keep your file torrenting even if your computer is not switch on, it will just download into your external HDD which connected into the router.

These routers will be available starting mid July 2010. Pricing will be announced soon.

Check out full press release after the break.

IMO, routers are very important for home. Do not just get something cheap and can be used for yourself, get something good. I am running on wireless G and N network at the same time and soon will convert everything into N.

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I just bought a Google Nexus One few months back, I was wanting to get an iPhone 3GS already but because of the release of Nexus One, I went for it. But so what, I still want an iPhone 4, but the problem is I don’t have the money to buy an iPhone 4. Haha.

Cut the crap. So Steve Job, my idol just announced the Apple iPhone 4 lately, also known as 4th generation of iPhone and it rocks in my opinion. The leaks with the stolen iPhone prototype that happened few weeks back by Gizmodo was in fact a real one. Although most of us had already knew about there will be a release of a new iPhone, but I still get excited felt surprised.

The design rocks with glass panel in front and back. The metal on the side is makes the phone look even more sleek and sexy and the thickness is less than 1cm! One of the surprised feature is Retina display. I’m pretty sure Apple made up the name, and it’s just screen with higher resolution. But the special part is the resolution is higher than all phone in the market.

The extra mic on top which works for noise canceling is nothing much special though.

Apple loves to talk about how they make their product. Their art of making, their idea, their technology, their engineered casing and everything. Although I’m not really interested, but I still support it. Fanboyish a bit already. The stainless steel on the side of the phone is actually an intergrated antenna for the phone for WiFi, GPS, GSM and everything. Good one.

Running on a Apple A4 Processor, same like the iPad, will it better than the powerful Snapdragon 1Ghz processor on other smartphones?

Camera of the new iPhone 4 has upgraded to a 5 megapixel camera with a LED flash. The best part of the camera is it has illuminated sensor which helps a lot to provide good quality photo in low light situation. This thing rocks, but somehow why not pack a 8 megapixel camera? It shoots HD  video too!

One very unexpected new hardware upgrade was the gyroscope. Last time, they were first with compass, then first with accelerometer and now they are first with gyroscope. Haha, the phone is now like the PlayStation 3 controller with Six Axis technology.

As for the software update on new iOS 4, they now called it the iOS instead of firmware, the very main features are Facetime, Multitasking that everyone was craving for and video editing with iMovie (download from App store) and lots more that you have to check out yourself when the new iOS 4 is available for download on June 21st. For the first time, it’s free for iPod touch too (unlike previous OS updates for iPod touch, user have to pay US$9.99 for it).

Now talk about why I want an iPhone, I need an pocket camera with HD video cam, I shoots short clip a lot, I need an iPod for myself, I’ve lost mine half a year ago (very sad) and I am an Apple fanboy. That’s conclude my reason for wanting an iPhone. Haha. Do you want one or stick with your whatever phone you are using now? and why?

iPhone 4 will be available in the US and few countries on June 24, pre-order starts June 15. While we in Malaysia, I predict it will be somewhere in September. So let’s wait.

I really salute Apple, their idea, their way of marketing are just awesome. 3 years ago, Apple reinvented the phone with iPhone, everyone started to craze about the iPhone, then other mobile company try to make the same thing. Just this year, Apple released the iPad, again, it’s the same thing, Apple made the tablet world popular with the iPad.

During the keynote yesterday at WWDC10 in San Fransisco, Steve Jobs announced the iPhone 4 with a front face camera and it support video calling. They named it FaceTime, it’s not 3G video calling. Some people might think that 3G video calling has already out in the market for several years, just not many people are using it.

With FaceTime and their cool advertisement, I believe Apple once again reinvent video calling.

One bad thing about FaceTime is it runs via Wi-Fi only, but I guess it will soon available on mobile with unlimited data plan. AT&T data plan sucks because they don’t have unlimited data plan.

It’s Apple WWDC10 right now, happening at San Fransisco, lots of Apple update for the fans out there. I woke up today morning and prompted a system update on my Mac. After the update, I found out that my Safari has upgraded to latest version 5.

Apple is so much supporting the HTML5 platform right now and it’s one of the new feature in Safari 5. Another feature that worth to check it out is the Safari Reader, it allows you to read online articles in a continuous, clutter-free view.

My 2 cents: Frankly, I seldom use Safari browser on my Mac. I only use Safari on the iPhone, I still prefer other browser like the Firefox because there’s more add-on which enhance my surfing experience. Do you use Safari?

For all the time when Apple reintroduce the white plastic MacBook, I never put that in mind, I wouldn’t introduce friends to get a MacBook. But now with their latest revision, they’ve upgraded the processor and the GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) and promises a 10-hour battery life, it’s a good buy obviously for only US$999 (US$950 after education store discount).

It’s not very expensive and what I love the most is still the 10-hour battery. I am using a 2008 White MacBook and the battery life I got is like 4 hours only. It’s already better than my netbook and if it could be longer, it will be so damn awesome for me! Though, my next buy will of course go to the pro. =)