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Mashed Pixel proposes customers should replace all their remote controllers with its Surc iPhone app and case combination.

After installing the free app, users slip their iPhone (either 3G, 3GS or 4) into the case. The case carries an IR transmitter and turns the iDevice into a universal remote.

The app should have settings for a large number of devices and connects to most IR-connected devices and appliances. Through a Surc account users can also backup all their remotes and settings.

The Surc case should be available by early 2011, while for the curious the Surc app is already on iTunes.

Go Surc

Sony launches its cloud-based music streaming service, "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity"-- starting  off with the UK and Ireland.

Music lovers will have initial access to 6 million songs from labels like Universal, Sony, Warner, EMI and a number of indipendent labels.

Other European countries should have the service sometime in 2011. So far mentioned are Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Unsurprisingly, no mention of other European countries yet.

Through the service customers can play their music of choice on a number of Sony internet-enabled devices, including the latest Bravia TVs and blu-ray players, PS3 consoles and Vaio computers.

Sony offers 2 subscription models-- Basic (works as an infinite ad-free radio station for €3.99 monthly) and Premium (lets users listenn to any song on demand for €9.99 monthly). Users can also synch DRM-free music files on their media players to listen to their music across all Music Unlimited compatible devices.

Go Sony Debuts Music Unlimited

The Wall Street Journal reports Microsoft plans a new OS aimed at low-power devices-- and non-Intel chip technology.

The new Windows version should add support for ARM designs as well as x86 processors. Discussion on the new software is due this January's CES.

Why the move to ARM? Surely to rival Apple int he tablet market. ARM chips consume less power, making them a favourite with smartphone manufacturers.

According to people close to Microsoft the plans to create an ARM-based Windows are part of efforts to make Windows more modular-- similar to what Apple does with iOS, stripping away OS components unnecessary for smaller devices.

Many analysts say a Windows overhaul is required to make it better suited for tablet devices.

Go Microsoft to Reveal New Version of Windows

AMD, Dell, Intel, Lenovo, Samsung and LG announce plans to adopt digital display interfaces like DisplayPort and HDMI to PC.

Thus analog display outputs like VGA will no longer be supported by 2015, Intel and AMD say. HDMI and DisplayPort allow for slimmer laptop designs, support higher resolutions and provide deeper colours than VGA.

The large installed base of existing VGA monitors and projectors should keep VGA ports on PCs beyond 2015. DisplayPort provides backwards compatibility via certified adapters for VGA and DVI outputs.

Samsung's LCD business is already shipping notebooks with embedded DisplayPort panels, while LG has LCD panels with eDP in the market.

Go Leading PC Companies Phasing Out Analog