Those who own Archos 5/7 devices should be pleased knowing the French company has finally uploaded a new firmware update (v1.6.03) that adds the long awaited high-def video support, which includes MPEG-4 ASP and WMV / VC-1 playback compatibility at 720p (24fps, 6Mbps maximum). Besides that, the new firmware also fixes some pesty bugs within the GUI, MP3 tags and few other TV recording slips. To get this one, just hit the link below and start watching your favorite films in sharp mode.
Update: Only two weeks after releasing firmware v1.6.03, which added high-def video compatibility to the Archos 5, the French corp launches another update (v1.6.53) that brings GPS car holder support, so you can use your media tablet device as a navigation system via Archos’ cradle, and find your way in Europe, North America or Russia through TeleAtlas maps, which are included as well. Further more, with the new firmware update you’ll be able to navigate your way from the inside, thanks to the new file browser, coming with drag n’ drop and multi-selection capabilities. The firmware can be downloaded from here.

[Archos]
Apple has finally released firmware update 2.2, available for downloading via your iTunes software, right away. The new 246MB update brings some neat stuff to your iphone/ipod devices, including Google Street View, over-the-air podcast downloads (which lets you listen to podcast, either through wifi connection or 3G network), public transit and walking directions, more stabilized Safari browser and even the ability to share your location via email. In addition, you get some Bug fixes, together with toggling auto-text correction function, better sound quality in Visual Voicemail messages and a new App rating feature, that allows you to rank any Apple’s App Store application, once you delete it. Stay tuned !

After days of expectations, Dev Team has finally released a software-based jailbreak for firmware update 2.0, installed on iPhone 3G, iPhone 1st Gen and iPod Touch devices. Although it is only Mac users compatible, Dev Team has promised to release PC friendly version in the near future, along with iphone 3G full unlocking version [You can download the jailbreaking software from here or here or here]. The new Pwnage 2.0 jailbreak can do the following:
iPhone 3G – Only activate and jailbreak, no unlock yet (no sim free).
iPhone 1st Gen (With firmware 2.0 installe.d) - activate, jailbreak and unlock.
iPod Touch (With firmware 2.0 installed) – activate and jailbreak.
Mind you, there are plenty of people trying to get this one so be patient as you download those 19.7MB. Full instractions can be found in here.
Update1: that was fast! Jailbreak 2.0, now available for Windows OS users. You can get full instructions in here or here.
Update2: 24 hours later and there’s a new update that fixes some of the bugs from the first version. You can get it in here or here.

[via Dev-Team]
Headstrong rumors claiming that Microsoft considers the opening of unique retail stores that will conspicuously market its own products. There is no doubt that Microsoft managers jealously squint at Apple’s success, thinking they can do the same, if not better. The only problem is that Apple has more hardware products to sell rather than Microsoft’s dominant software-based assortment. I mean, it’s not that Microsoft doesn’t have tangible things to offer, after all it does sell some great products like the Xbox 360 console, the Zune player, or complementary goods like video games and the accessories involved, not to mention the other peripherals such as webcam, keyboard or mouse. In addition, Microsoft sell retail software like Windows Vista and Microsoft Office, via affiliate partners and retailers. However, I’m not so sure it is the same variety as Apple’s products, including Mac, iPod and iPhone, with all the assorted accessories. Still, these are just rumors and I haven’t seen some major steps, coming from Microsoft direction, to carry out this project, but I am more than sure it crossed some Redmond minds. True or false, great or wrong, only time would tell.

[via macobserver]