Tech Olive

So, this is a bit off topic from what we usually write about, but this nerd-gasm is just too great to pass up. NASA is offering us mere mortals a chance to go to Mars. Well, not completely, but closer to Mars than most of us will ever manage. By filling out a small form on their site, your name will be put on a microchip placed on the Mars Science Laboratory Rover during its mission to Mars in 2011.

Image credit: NASA

Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Turner recently spoke at the company’s Worldwide Partner Conference. Turner said that the laptop hunter ads are working because he received a phone call from Apple demanding that the ads be terminated because they lowered their prices. Turner thought it was quite the joke and confirmed that Microsoft will “keep running them and running them and running them.”

via [Ars Technica]

After speculation and an official quote flying around, things are finally becoming serious about the life status of Alan Wake’s PC release. According to Remedy (developer), the fate of the PC version of Alan Wake is purely in the hands of Microsoft (publisher). Follow the break for a quote from Remedy.

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With the black Wii’s August 1st Japan release date rapidly approaching, Nintendo has released some packaging shots. As one would imagine, the packaging is much like the unit itself; just a recolored version of the original Wii. Personally, I don’t much understand this move. Sure, it’s a nice, cheap sales booster for Nintendo, but wouldn’t the money be better spent on developing some first-party games? Or, better yet, take that budget for the black Wii and put it towards a price cut on the original, plain, white Wii. Despite how near it is to the Japan release, there is still no date or even any information for a North American release.

via [Engadget]

Microsoft has confirmed some questions that Windows 7 RC users have been wondering for a while. A Microsoft spokesperson said that users running an activated version of Windows 7 RC won’t have to reinstall an older version of Windows before using a Windows 7 upgrade disk. Those who do that though will see all of their files put into a folder called “Windows.old” when the final version of Windows 7 is installed.

Lastly, if you ever want to reinstall Windows 7 from scratch using the upgrade disk you bought, you’ll first need to install a copy of XP or Vista.

via [blogs.chron.com]

Take-Two’s CEO, Ben Feder, recently confirmed that Bioshock 2 is delayed into the first half of “calendar 2010″.

“[The delay is] not related to any specific platform or any specific element of it,” according to Ben Feder. “Generally there are some development issues that we need to deal with.”

via [ShackNews]

The release date for Fallout 3‘s fifth and final piece of DLC has been announced. Mothership Zeta is planned to release on Monday, August 3 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. It will be priced the same as previous DLC; 800 MS Points ($10). Looks like I’m gonna have to break down and play through Fallout 3 again so I can enjoy some of this DLC.

When surfing today’s internet, it is painfully common to come across giant flashing banners, or stumble across an untrustworthy/malicious website, or maybe you want more functionality? Knowing the time in another country so you can make that video conference call is crucial, unless you enjoy seeing your friends not fully dressed. Whatever it may be, with our suggested Firefox addons, your surfing experience will be much more enjoyable and functional!
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Infinity Ward’s community manager, Robert Bowling, has just released the official unboxing video for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition (Collector’s Edition). Check out the video after the break.

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It’s said that Apple might be revealing a touchscreen netbook coming this October at around $800. Several companies have received orders from Apple including Wintek, who will be providing the supposedly 9.7″ touchscreens. Another manufacturer is Foxconn who will most likely play a big role with these Apple netbooks, since they worked with Apple on designing and manufacturing the iPhone.

Obviously nothing about this compact touchscreen tablet has been officially confirmed, but many are speculating that it will undoubtedly happen real soon.

via [MacRumors]

Image Credit: Logan Lape