Microsoft introduces Windows Home Server, Sync at CES

Microsoft introduces Windows Home Server, Sync at CES

CES brought the announcement of many different innovative products that may or may not be available now to consumers. One of those unavailable new products is the Windows Home Server designed by Microsoft to provide users of home networks to stream their media and share their files with their devices throughout the house. Included with the Windows Home Server is a dedicated backup solution to keep your ever growing collection of pictures, documents, music, and videos safely backed up without having to worry about it.

Microsoft also announced a partnership with Ford to provide data and media integration of your personal digital devices (i.e. phones, Zune, etc.) with your Ford automobile. Please tell me that I won't need antivirus for my car.

Microsoft Zune Review: iPod Killer or iPod Wannabe

Ars Technica has published a review of the new portable digital media player designed to compete with the Apple iPod called the Zune. The Zune has the same abilities to play music, photos, movies, and tv shows (minus podcasts) as the iPod, so one might wonder what makes the Zune so special. The Zune does have wireless capabilities for sharing your digital media with your other Zune friends and comes in black, white, or brown (and pink). Since the November 14th launch of the Zune the sales have not demonstrated a huge demand for the hip new device. Read the review to learn more about the features and faults of Microsoft's venture into the digital media arena.

My recommendation is to determine what it is you want to do with your digital media (or what you want to do if you had any). If you just want to listen to music the iPod shuffle or Nano should work great for you. If you really want video content then you now have a new choice with the Zune. Keep in mind that any of the digital media you purchase will only work with that company's player. So if you 've already invested money into your iTunes media library you should ask for an iPod to be wrapped up in your stocking this Christmas.