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Microsoft hasn't said what its plans are for the deal but acknowledged that the move would help it be "more creative and collaborative" and speed up the launch of "new and compelling products." Via Electronista .
Labels: amazon, kindle, microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/23/2010 08:51:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile, windows phone 7, windows phone classic
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/17/2010 09:45:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
New branding may also be on the way. All About Microsoft‘s Mary-Jo Foley speculates that phones running the operating system will be called “Windows Phone 7;” previously Microsoft had been referring to all Windows Mobile phones as “Windows Phones.”
"Windows Phone 7" will be the 18th name Microsoft has given Windows Mobile over the years.
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/12/2010 04:29:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 28, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. today announced record revenue of $19.02 billion for the second quarter ended Dec. 31, 2009, a 14% increase from the same period of the prior year. Operating income, net income and diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $8.51 billion, $6.66 billion and $0.74 per share, which represented increases of 43%, 60% and 57%, respectively, when compared with the prior year period.
These financial results include the recognition of $1.71 billion of deferred revenue, an impact of $0.14 of diluted earnings per share, relating to the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program and pre-sales of Windows 7 to OEMs and retailers before general availability. Adjusting for the deferred revenue recognition, second-quarter revenue totaled $17.31 billion, and diluted earnings per share totaled $0.60 per share.
“Exceptional demand for Windows 7 led to the positive top-line growth for the company,” said Peter Klein, chief financial officer at Microsoft. “Our continuing commitment to managing costs allowed us to drive earnings performance ahead of the revenue growth.”
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 launched globally on October 22 as anticipated. Through the second quarter, Microsoft has sold over 60 million Windows 7 licenses making it the fastest selling operating system in history.
“This is a record quarter for Windows units,” said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer at Microsoft. “We are thrilled by the consumer reception to Windows 7 and by business enthusiasm to adopt Windows 7.”
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/28/2010 07:28:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
In 2003, when Apple said its iTunes music software would work on PCs using the Windows software of its age-old rival, Microsoft, Apple made up posters that read "Hell Froze Over." Hell may be getting frosty again.
Apple (AAPL) is in talks with Microsoft (MSFT) to replace Google (GOOG) as the default search engine on its iPhone, according to two people familiar with the matter. The talks have been under way for weeks, say the people, who asked not to be named because the details have not been made public." Via BusinessWeek
Labels: apple, bing, google, microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/20/2010 12:33:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: microsoft, sidekick, t mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 10/10/2009 10:27:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
A new breed of search engine has arrived, a search engine that does more than point you to a set of links. We’ve built a “decision engine” and it’s called Bing. Internet search has become the No. 1 avenue for finding information and getting things done. But with more than 200 million Web sites online (and counting), most search engines are ill-equipped for the task. Not Bing.
Bing provides direct access to the information you’re looking for. Bing organizes search results so you can quickly and easily locate the content that matters most. And Bing helps you harness that information through exclusive tools specific to your key tasks, leading to more-informed decisions. Put simply, Bing is a first-of-its-kind decision engine.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/28/2009 12:11:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/27/2009 12:33:00 AM 0 comments
links to this post
"Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed its plans to take on the iPod Touch with a new, touch-screen Zune that will be able to surf the Web, play high-definition movies, and tune in to digital radio.
The Zune HD, which will be available in the U.S. only starting this fall, features an HD Radio tuner as well as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touch screen, Microsoft said. It is based on Windows CE and will use a version of Internet Explorer customized for its touch screen, Microsoft said.
The software maker did not announce pricing or capacity, though it said the device will use flash memory and attempt to take on Apple's high-end iPod models.
"This device is created to go head to head with the iPod Touch," Chris Stephenson, general manager of global marketing for Microsoft Zune, said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. Zune buyers will also be able to play HD content on their TVs via a dock, Microsoft said."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/27/2009 12:19:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
REDMOND, Wash., March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of Windows Internet Explorer 8, the new Web browser that offers the best solution for how people use the Web today. It can be downloaded in 25 languages at http://www.microsoft.com/ie8 starting at noon EDT on March 19. Internet Explorer 8 is easier to use, faster and offers leading-edge security features in direct response to people's increasing concerns about online safety. A new study commissioned by Microsoft and the National Cyber Security Alliance and conducted by Harris Interactive Inc. shows that 91 percent of adults in the U.S. are concerned about online threats in the current economic climate, and 78 percent are more likely to choose a Web browser with built-in security than they were two years ago.
"Customers have made clear what they want in a Web browser -- safety, speed and greater ease of use," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "With Internet Explorer 8, we are delivering a browser that gets people to the information they need, fast, and provides protection that no other browser can match."
In response to extensive customer research and input from tens of millions of customer sessions, Microsoft developed Internet Explorer 8 to focus on what matters most to people. The security enhancements offer protection against existing and emerging security threats online. It blocks two to four times more malware attacks than other browsers; cuts down on the time it takes to complete common tasks on the Web such as searching, mapping and sharing, including navigating 15 of the 20 top worldwide sites; and blurs the lines between the services they use daily and the browser used to access the Internet.
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 3/19/2009 08:35:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
"There are very few things that are on the banned list in our household. But iPods and iPhones are two things we don't get for our kids."
Gates does admit to being swayed — a little— by Apple's smartphone, though: "Every now and then I look at my friends and say 'Ooh, I wouldn't mind having that iPhone'."
Shouldn't you always do what's best for your kids? ;)
Labels: iphone, ipod, microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 3/02/2009 09:58:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
BARCELONA, Spain — Feb. 16, 2009 — Today at Mobile World Congress 2009, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer along with key mobile partners, HTC, LG and Orange, unveiled new Windows® phones featuring new user-friendly software and services. The next generation of Windows® phones will be based on Windows Mobile 6.5 and feature a new user interface and a richer browsing experience. In addition, Windows® phones will feature two new services: My Phone, to sync text messages, photos, video, contacts and more to the Web; and Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, a new marketplace that will provide direct-to-phone mobile applications and can be accessed from both the phone and the Web.
“Windows® phones bring together the best of the Web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are,” Ballmer said. “We’re working with partners across the industry to deliver a new generation of Windows® phones that break down the barriers between people, information and applications and provide great end-to-end experiences that span your entire life, at work and at home.”
Windows Mobile 6.5 Delivers New User Experience
The new Windows Mobile 6.5 home screen keeps people up-to-date on important information by providing a dashboard-like experience to items such as new e-mails, texts, missed calls and calendar appointments. It also includes an improved touch-screen interface, making it easy to take action with a finger, and an updated version of the latest Internet Explorer Mobile browser, which in a third-party research study sponsored by Microsoft supported execution of up to 48 percent more assigned tasks than the other browsers and phones studied.
My Phone Service Connects the Phone to the Web
The free My Phone service will enable people to access, manage and back up their personal information on their device to a password-protected Web-based service, making it easier to upgrade phones without the worry of losing important information. With automatic syncing and backup, users can count on their contacts, appointments, text messages and other information being kept up to date and easily restored should they lose or upgrade their phone. Consumers also will be able to automatically upload photos and video from their Windows® phone directly to the My Phone service, making it simple to preserve content that, in the past, would have lived and died on the phone. The My Phone service is currently available in a limited invitation-only beta.
Rich and Integrated Marketplace Service Will Offer Easy Access to Mobile Applications
The new operating system features Windows® Marketplace for Mobile, a rich and integrated marketplace for searching, browsing and purchasing mobile applications from Windows® phones or from a PC by simply using a Windows Live ID. The new marketplace will be included with all Windows phones based on Windows Mobile 6.5, which will help consumers to easily find, install and experience those applications that fit their needs and make the phone truly personal. Developers, who have already built over 20,000 applications for Windows® phones, will be able to offer applications to customers through the marketplace via a simple security and compatibility check from Microsoft.
Labels: microsoft, smartphone, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/16/2009 08:10:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft My Phone Beta (Microsoft's version of MobileMe) is now available for users to sign up.
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/16/2009 05:09:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
The above chart from Wikipedia shows how many times Microsoft has played this name changing game.
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/06/2009 11:05:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
jkOnTheRun is reporting that Microsoft has leaked "MyPhone" which is described as "providing online syncing of information on Windows Mobile phones to the cloud storage".
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/06/2009 04:40:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
I was wrong. WAY WAY WAY wrong.
Palm just did what Nokia and Microsoft and RIM couldn’t do: deliver a better experience than Steve Jobs did.
Anyway, the bottom line is Palm has a real winner here. It shows that you can never count a company out. Even one that looks like it’s already out of the game."
Labels: apple, blackberry, microsoft, nokia, palm, palm webos, pre
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/09/2009 10:34:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Microsoft has given yet another reprieve to its seasoned Windows XP operating system. The cut off date for PC makers to obtain licenses for the software was 31 January 2009. But now Microsoft has put in place a scheme that will allow the hardware firms to get hold of XP licences until 30 May 2009.
Windows XP was originally due to disappear off shop shelves on 30 January 2008. It was to be removed so as to make way for Windows Vista which went on sale to consumers early in 2007.
Despite Microsoft's claims that Vista has sold well, consumers have reacted badly to its release.
Microsoft granted the reprieve largely because of customer's preference for XP."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/22/2008 03:43:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Any product that owns close to 90% of a market that is as gigantic as the global PC market would be considered a huge success. In the case of Microsoft, that is, of course, different. Windows has suffered from a continued market share decline since the 2003/2004 time frame and November 2008 was the first month in a very long time that Microsoft has dropped below 90%, 89.62% to be exact, according to Net Applications.
Net Applications has been providing operating system market share data since October 2004 and estimated Windows’ market share at about 96.4% at that time. In November 2005, Windows was down to 95.5%, in November 2006 to 94.2% and in November 2007 to 92.4%. Over the past twelve months, Windows lost 2.8 points of market share, more than in any other year in the operating system’s 23-year history (Windows 1.0 was released in November 1985.)" Via TG Daily .
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/03/2008 08:12:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
My source says that the new device falls under the codename "Pink" and that it will combine the company's Zune and technology from Microsoft's purchase of Danger Inc., the company that brought us the Sidekick flip phone available on T-Mobile.
As an aside, Danger's co-founder, Andy Rubin, took a job at Google and he was the driving force behind that company's Android mobile operating system, now powering that new G1 phone from T-Mobile. took Andy Rubin, developed a phone for T-Mobile, whose corporate color is pink, and that Microsoft would code-name its smart phone project "Pink.")
I'm hearing that a prototype of the new Pink could be unveiled as soon as the Consumer Electronics Show in January, but that it could be pushed back into a February release. Some reports suggest the phone could be released at the 3GSM conference and that a wide shipment release could be a year away. The idea, my source says, is to develop a product that offers true competition to Apple's iPhone which continues to enjoy huge market momentum. Via CNBC
Labels: microsoft, smartphone
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 11/26/2008 12:01:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Although Microsoft has not publicly said when to expect Windows Mobile 7, partners who had expected to have a final release in their hands by early next year have been told now that it won't be ready until the second half of next year, sources told CNET News.
The delay is a significant blow for the software maker, which has been counting on the next version of Windows Mobile to enable devices that better rival Apple's iPhone. Among the features widely expected to be part of the release is advanced gesture recognition, perhaps along the lines of the iPhone, but possibly also using the camera as a means for reading gestures. Microsoft's Tellme unit, which focuses on speech input, has also been working on Windows Mobile 7 features." Via CNET .
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/23/2008 08:11:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Note to Microsoft: You have tons of $$$$, the richest person in the U.S. just so happens to be in your commercial, and he also created Windows. Is this the best you could come up with???
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/18/2008 11:34:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
That said, there's been an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that 16GB models remain unavailable simply because Apple's original plans for the fourth-generation iPod nano leading up to last Tuesday's event called for only 4GB and 8GB configurations.
As such, it's likely manufacturing ramp of the 16GB models didn't begin until just recently because Foxconn, Apple's iPod manufacturing partner in the East, was busy pumping out 4GB and 8GB models instead. Though unannounced last Tuesday, those 4GB models mysteriously began cropping up at European retailers earlier this week.
The official response from Apple was on the matter was that it decided to produce a "limited number of 4GB iPod nanos for some international markets." The statement suggests the 4GB models were the afterthought as opposed to the 16GB model, but doesn't explain a motive, why availability of the 4GB models will soon cease, or why they're priced relatively close to the 8GB model.
Separately, AppleInsider has learned that some Apple retail stores actually received marketing material last week for the fourth-generation nanos listing only 4GB and 8GB models, which they were then asked to return. Those materials were said to have priced the players in line with the third-generation nanos -- $149 for a 4GB model and $199 for the 8GB.
This has led some industry watchers to question whether it was Microsoft, for once, who caught its longtime rival to south off-guard and possibly pressed its margins in the process. On Monday September 8th, just one day before Apple chief executive Steve Jobs announced the fourth-generation iPod nano, reports surfaced on Microsoft's plans to introduce an 8GB Zune at $149 and a 16GB Zune at $200 around the same time." Via AppleInsider .
Labels: apple, microsoft, nano, zune
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/18/2008 09:31:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
When it was first rumored that Microsoft had commissioned Seinfeld as part of its $300 million ad campaign to turn around the image of Windows Vista, the world scratched its head. After all, what was Microsoft trying to do—be young and hip (with an older, practically retired comic) just like those crazy kids in the "Get a Mac" ads? Then, when the first ad actually aired, the world scratched its head even more. The first and second Seinfeld ads were nonsensical and not really about anything at all.
Microsoft says that the new, post-Seinfeld ads will focus on "tearing down the walls," and will "celebrate the diversity and passion of consumers around the world who use Windows to stay in touch with the people, information and ideas that they care about.
In addition to the Life Without Walls campaign, Microsoft also plans to roll out an ad series called "Real PC" in response to Apple's "Get a Mac" ads. Microsoft's ads, some of which will feature a John Hodgman-like figure acting as the PC, will also include "a diverse group of faces representing the one billion people who use Windows PCs worldwide, all celebrating the sense of power and community Windows enables by declaring: 'I'm a PC,'" the company says." Via Ars Technica .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/18/2008 03:52:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
The Gurus will answer both general questions about computers and giving their own demos of different Microsoft programs and services working in tandem, including Windows Vista as well as Windows Mobile-based smartphones and Windows Live web features. Like their Apple counterparts, the Windows-focused agents won't be paid by commission and will instead focus on their ability to help whichever customers they receive." Via Electronista .
MacDailyNews has the best quote to sum up "Microsoft Gurus".
"MacDailyNews Take: Why "Gurus?" Because if they were "geniuses," they'd already be Mac users.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/05/2008 11:36:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
If this is Microsoft's response to Apple's highly successful "Get a Mac" ads, Microsoft better get back to the drawing board. The commercial is clearly trying to copy Seinfeld's success of "a show about nothing" which worked for a sitcom, but does Microsoft really want to portray Vista or Microsoft's future in that light? If they do, $300 million should have produced something better than "The Future, Delicious".
Not that there's anything wrong with that ;)
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/05/2008 05:30:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/01/2008 10:17:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft has posted the above on their PhotoSynth website . Pretty uncharacteristically of Microsoft, don't ya think?
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/23/2008 01:15:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Continually painted by Apple and other rivals as uncool and unsafe, Microsoft plans to spend US$300 million on a new series of advertisements designed around its "Windows Not Walls" slogan that will feature Seinfeld and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.
Seinfeld will take home $10 million for his role in the spots, the report said, citing people familiar with the situation.
Microsoft is not only trying to turn around a stodgy corporate image, but also wants to reverse recent product misfires, including the Windows Vista operating system and the Zune digital music player.
Apple has rubbed in Microsoft's lack of success and highlighted its own winning streak in a series of "Mac vs. PC" ads. The campaign is due to debut Sept. 4"
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 8/21/2008 09:45:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
"With FY08 complete, I want to discuss my priorities for the year ahead and share my thoughts about the key strategic topics that are on everybody’s mind, including Windows, competition with Apple and Google, our software plus services strategy, and Yahoo."
"Windows: The success of Windows is our number one job. With SP1 and the work we’ve done with PC manufacturers and our software ecosystem, we’ve addressed device and application compatibility issues in Windows Vista. Now it’s time to tell our story. In the weeks ahead, we’ll launch a campaign to address any lingering doubts our customers may have about Windows Vista. And later this year, you’ll see a more comprehensive effort to redefine the meaning and value of Windows for our customers.
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 7/24/2008 03:02:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft had announced that they would be launching a multi-million dollar campaign in response Apple's "Get a Mac" ad . The above picture is the first glimpse of them fighting back....
It looks like Microsoft is trying to relay the message with the above picture that even though MANY people have said Vista sucked, Microsoft believed (just like Columbus) that the critics were wrong. Lets just hope the ship doesn't sink, like reviews of Vista...
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 7/22/2008 10:28:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft may have little choice but to support XP for an extended period since most of its business customers have not upgraded to Windows Vista.
"In an unprecedented move, Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) has committed to providing support services for its soon to be retired Windows XP through 2014 -- a full 13 years after the operating system was originally released.
In a letter sent to customers this week, Microsoft senior VP Bill Veghte said the software maker will provide security patches "and other critical updates" for Windows XP until April, 2014.
"Our ongoing support for Windows XP is the result of our recognition that people keep their Windows-based PCs for many years," Veghte wrote."
In addition to supporting XP through 2014, Microsoft is now actively promoting a program that allows customers to downgrade Vista systems to XP through a loophole in the company's licensing terms. Microsoft's software license allows customers who purchase a copy of Windows to install and run a previous version of the OS at no additional cost."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/24/2008 06:07:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
My question is why wait so long? It's almost a given that Apple already has a full version of OS X "multi-touchified", and will once again beat Microsoft to the punch. Lets hope Windows 7 doesn't turn into another long, drawn out drama like Visa did.
Check out the video here of Windows 7's "smallest snippet". Again, very impressive Microsoft!!
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/27/2008 11:28:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
A Microsoft statement said Saturday that the software giant was willing to pay $33 a share for the company, $2 a share more than originally offered. But Yahoo refused to budge from its demand for $37 a share or roughly $53 billion. (Microsoft is the publisher of MSN Money.)
"After careful consideration, we believe the economics demanded by Yahoo do not make sense for us, and it is in the best interests of Microsoft stockholders, employees and other stakeholders to withdraw our proposal," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement.
The decision came after a meeting in Seattle Saturday between Ballmer, Yahoo CEO and co-founder Jerry Yang and Yahoo co-founder David Filo, The New York Times said. Also attending was Kevin Johnson, who heads Microsoft's online business. Via MS Money .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/04/2008 12:39:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Gizmodo has gotten hold of a picture of the choice of laptop used by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer during a presentation.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/28/2008 10:32:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
"It's a very important piece of work. We did a lot of things right and have a lot of things we need to learn from. You never want to let five years go between releases," he said.
While Microsoft recently extended the date when the XP software will be available for low-cost PCs, it doesn't plan to listen to some other complaints, including that Vista is too big. "Vista is bigger than XP and it's gonna stay bigger than XP," Ballmer said. "We have to make sure it doesn't get bigger still." Via PC World .
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/18/2008 10:18:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
The software maker said Windows XP Home will be available at least through June 2010 for computers like Intel Corp.'s Classmate PC and ASUSTek Computer Inc.'s Eee PC. But Microsoft also vowed to keep XP on the market for those machines for a year after the next version of Windows is released, which could mean 2011 or later.
The low-cost machines have smaller hard drives, less memory and slower processors than most Windows computers sold today, and most would have a hard time running the bulkier Windows Vista.
Microsoft had planned to stop selling most versions of XP at the end of June 2008, with exceptions for small computer-building shops and PCs sold in developing countries."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/03/2008 09:01:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft announced its intention to slash the price of its latest OS, unveiled in January 2007," Max Brenn reports for eFluxMedia.
"Citing as a reason, its desire to urge the adoption of Windows Vista, Microsoft said that the price of its Windows Vista Ultimate, the fully-featured version of the OS, will be $319 instead of $399," Brenn reports. "Also, those who already own a copy of Windows XP or a version of Windows Vista will pay to upgrade to Ultimate only $219 and not $259."
"Microsoft will also cut prices for upgrade versions of Vista Home Premium, its mainstream product, to $129 from $159. The price cuts will apply in 73 countries, but they could vary from one country to another," Brenn reports. "Also, the software giant will stop selling 'upgrade' versions of Vista in emerging markets and it will instead sell Vista Home Premium and Home Basic, a stripped-down version, at the upgrade prices."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/29/2008 11:45:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 21, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a set of broad-reaching changes to its technology and business practices to increase the openness of its products and drive greater interoperability, opportunity and choice for developers, partners, customers and competitors.
Specifically, Microsoft is implementing four new interoperability principles and corresponding actions across its high-volume business products: (1) ensuring open connections; (2) promoting data portability; (3) enhancing support for industry standards; and (4) fostering more open engagement with customers and the industry, including open source communities.
“These steps represent an important step and significant change in how we share information about our products and technologies,” said Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer. “For the past 33 years, we have shared a lot of information with hundreds of thousands of partners around the world and helped build the industry, but today’s announcement represents a significant expansion toward even greater transparency. Our goal is to promote greater interoperability, opportunity and choice for customers and developers throughout the industry by making our products more open and by sharing even more information about our technologies.”
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/21/2008 11:42:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 21, 2008
Who:
• Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp.;
• Ray Ozzie, chief software architect;
• Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business; and
• Brad Smith, senior vice president and general counsel for Legal and Corporate Affairs.
Note: This announcement is not about Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Yahoo! Inc. It will not be discussed during this call.
When:
• 8:30 a.m. PST (17:30 CET) to 9:15 a.m. PST (18:15 CET), Thursday, Feb. 21, 2008
Stay tuned.
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/21/2008 11:03:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
That's more than $1 million per employee for the company, which has 294 workers. However, the price tag makes some sense when you consider the company has taken in $225 million from investors and had been pondering an IPO. "
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/14/2008 01:19:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Danger Inc. is responsible for the the Danger Hiptop and the associated software and service support. The Danger Hiptop is sold on many networks under different names, most notably as the T-Mobile Sidekick. The Hiptop/Sidekick line is well loved by the younger crowd for its intuitive user interface and superior instant messaging support. Microsoft did not reveal when the deal would be finalized, but noted that it is excited to bring Danger's 10 year history of expertise in the mobile consumer market to Microsoft." Via MobileBurn .
Will Microsoft ruin the SideKick with Windows Mobile? Stay tuned.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/11/2008 10:09:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
The partnership was announced on the eve of the Mobile World Congress, the largest wireless industry conference bringing together more than 50,000 industry executives from some 1,300 companies.
"With Sony Ericsson we are now working with the top five handset makers around the world," Microsoft product manager John Starkweather said in an interview before the Barcelona wireless conference."
Labels: microsoft, sony, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/10/2008 01:35:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Yahoo’s board of directors plans to reject Microsoft’s $44.6 billion hostile bid with a letter Monday saying the offer undervalues Yahoo, a person familiar with the matter said Saturday.
The decision to reject the bid was taken following a board meeting Friday in which directors explored ways in which to respond to Microsoft’s week-old bid. The board heard presentations from Yahoo’s management and its bankers, according to people familiar with the discussions. Several people argued that the company was worth more than what Microsoft offered, this person said.
The board was also presented with various options for maintaining Yahoo’s independence, including an advertising partnership with Google that could improve Yahoo’s bottom line, this person said.
Lawyers at the meeting discussed the antitrust implications of a tie-up with Google, as it would extend that company’s dominance of the search advertising market, the person said. They also discussed how to press Microsoft to increase its bid.
Yahoo declined to comment on Saturday. Yahoo said earlier in the week that its board was evaluating Microsoft’s offer and other alternatives."
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/09/2008 03:47:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
REDMOND, Wash. — Feb. 1, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) today announced that it has made a proposal to the Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) Board of Directors to acquire all the outstanding shares of Yahoo! common stock for per share consideration of $31 representing a total equity value of approximately $44.6 billion. Microsoft’s proposal would allow the Yahoo! shareholders to elect to receive cash or a fixed number of shares of Microsoft common stock, with the total consideration payable to Yahoo! shareholders consisting of one-half cash and one-half Microsoft common stock. The offer represents a 62 percent premium above the closing price of Yahoo! common stock on Jan. 31, 2008.
“We have great respect for Yahoo!, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. “We believe our combination will deliver superior value to our respective shareholders and better choice and innovation to our customers and industry partners.”
“Our lives, our businesses, and even our society have been progressively transformed by the Web, and Yahoo! has played a pioneering role by building compelling, high-scale services and infrastructure,” said Ray Ozzie, chief software architect at Microsoft. “The combination of these two great teams would enable us to jointly deliver a broad range of new experiences to our customers that neither of us would have achieved on our own.”
The online advertising market is growing at a very fast pace, from over $40 billion in 2007 to nearly $80 billion by 2010. The resulting benefits of scale along with the associated capital costs for advertising platform providers make this a time of industry consolidation and convergence. Today this market is increasingly dominated by one player. Together, Microsoft and Yahoo! can offer a competitive choice while better fulfilling the needs of customers and partners.
“The combined assets and strong services focus of these two companies will enable us to achieve scale economics while reaching R&D critical mass to deliver innovation breakthroughs,” said Kevin Johnson, president of the Platforms & Services Division of Microsoft. “The industry will be well served by having more than one strong player, offering more value and real choice to advertisers, publishers and consumers.”
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/01/2008 07:21:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
A video spoof shown during the CES 2008 keynote by Bill Gates about his last full day at Microsoft in July starring himself, Brian Williams, Steve Ballmer, Matthew McConaugheyr, Robbie Bach, Jay-Z, Bono, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Jon Stewart, Kevin Turner, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Al Gore, Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie.
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Rocco Mandaglio, Staff Writer @ 1/09/2008 09:03:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 1/07/2008 05:01:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
I will say that if you are impressed by the "touch features" in the iPhone, you'll be blown away by what's coming in Windows 7.
The blogger, Hilton Locke, is a Windows test engineer for the Tablet PC which explains his involvement with touch technologies. Microsoft has already integrated some touch features into Vista with support for current Tablet PCs as well as HP's TouchSmart PC, but it appears more advanced features will come with Windows 7. This successor to Windows Vista, however, is not expected to be released until 2010 at the earliest.
Even then, touch features would only be available to manufacturers who take advantage of the new features. Locke suggests that convincing manufacturers to adopt Windows Touch Technology has been difficult.
In May, Microsoft announced their Surface Computing initiative with the introduction of commercial multi-touch tables due in 2008." Via MacRumors .
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/13/2007 08:55:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Microsoft has decided to rebrand their "Playsforsure" DRM technology to "Certified for Windows Vista" in an attempt to make it easily understandable. The problem is that Microsoft keeps changing the branding of their DRM technology. "Playsforsure" and "Certified for Windows Vista" allows players Sandisk, Creative, etc. to use subscription services like Napster, Yahoo, and Rhapsody to play DRM protected content, while Microsoft's own Zune is incompatible with these services. Thanks once again Microsoft for making your products less confusing;)
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 12/12/2007 07:58:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
PowerPoint 2008, the presentation maker included in the bundle, can export creations as a series of pictures -- but not video -- to iPhoto '06 and later. Alternately, users can save the slides to the Mac's Pictures folder.
"From there, sync pictures to your iPod or iPhone through iTunes as usual, then use the built-in photos or slide-show program on your iPod or iPhone to show your presentation," said Blair Neumann, a program manager in Microsoft's Mac development group, in a post to the team's blog Tuesday. IPhones and iPods that boast video viewing -- the iPod touch, the newest iPod nano and the iPod classic -- can also connect to a larger screen television or a projector using Apple's $49 component AV cable."
Labels: iphone, ipod, microsoft, software
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 11/28/2007 05:17:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
In case you're a die hard Zune lover and want the latest and greatest, today's your day. You can now purchase the freshest Zunes @ Zune.net . Pricing is $149.99 for a 4GB, $199.99 8GB, 30GB $199.99, 80GB $249.99.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 11/13/2007 11:38:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
Do you remember the late 1990s? Way back then Yahoo! was king, Google was a baby and Microsoft was focused on the future.
Now, after several failed attempts (Yukon, MSN v.1, MSN v.2, MSN v.3 and Live v.1), Microsoft is re-creating its search engine with 'improvements in several specific types of search queries, notably in video search and in searches for products.' I say that it has been done before: Google.
From news.com via The Drudge Report
¶ posted by Rocco Mandaglio, Staff Writer @ 9/26/2007 10:13:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Coincidence? I think not. Microsoft decided yesterday to cut the price of their unpopular MP3 player the Zune from $249 to $199. The price cut comes just as Apple is set to release updated iPods.
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 9/05/2007 12:01:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Keith Ward noted that even though Microsoft has touted Vista's success, "lately, evidence has begun to mount that Vista isn't selling like hotcakes, and it's due in part to satisfaction with XP."
RedmondMag.com is the "independent voice of the Microsoft community."
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 7/23/2007 06:06:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Labels: apple, iphone, microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 6/26/2007 03:52:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
The timing is good, since tomorrow is when Bill Gates and Steve Jobs get to point fingers at each other under the grandfatherly gaze of Grand Vizier Walt Mossberg, and in these heady iPhone days, Gates needs all the ammo he can get. But what the heck is it? We're convinced Zune 2.0 is still a ways off, but then again, what else would this division be up to? Stay tuned, and we'll get back to you with the details right around midnight." Via PDA Live .
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/29/2007 10:51:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Yahoo shares jumped 14.6 percent to $32.20 in electronic trading on Friday, while Microsoft shares fell 1.4 percent to $30.53," Reuters reports.
Reuters reports, "The two companies have held informal deal talks over the years. But the latest approach comes as Microsoft seeks to ink a deal in the wake of Google's expansion."
"Google agreed to buy DoubleClick Inc. last month for $3.1 billion, accelerating a push into the graphic ad market. Google beat out Microsoft and Yahoo to win the deal, sources said," Reuters reports."
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 5/04/2007 02:52:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
omputer World had an article some days ago talking about Five things Microsoft must do to make Zune a success . Market experts give a low grade to the marketing approach Microsoft has selected for Zune and focus at the following corrections:
* Forget the social: Zune should stop advertising its Wifi social features. The Wifi social features should advertise Zune!
* Look back and look forward:Although iPod is very successful, many non-tech people still don't know what an MP3 player is. Explain it in simple terms. Also add features which differentiate it from the iPod.
* Get some flash: Extend the Zune line to Flash Memory Players.
* Push subscriptions: A feature that iPods lacks and Microsft should advertise it more.
* Make it sexy, make it work: Better look and more features like Podcasting support.
You may agree or may disagree with many opinions expressed in this article, but thats not the reason I mention it today. Reindorp while talking about the "pushing of subscription", he says:
The subscription service was a solid move on our part. We've seen 65% growth in our subscription base, although the number is still small. It could be better and it could become different -- we're looking at what other flavors of subscriptions there could be. We've been looking at the subscription model where you pay a certain amount and you essentially get the cell phone for free." Via zune-online.com
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 4/04/2007 04:55:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Computerworld's Scot Finnie says that Microsoft should be afraid because Apple has gotten smarter about how it competes. He says that it's the Parallels Desktop software that has been truly transformational for the Mac. Finnie did a simple three-month trial of the Mac last in the fall and realized four months later that he wasn't going back. Since then he's received hundreds of messages from readers who've also made the switch. 'In the end, this is about perception. It isn't about Apple's market share or even its quarterly sales numbers. (Apple's notebook computer sales for the fourth quarter were 4.1% of all portable computer sales, according to DisplaySearch.) What this is about is that Apple is reaching the right people with its product, winning new converts, Windows user by Windows user -- and creating buzz. How do you measure buzz? You don't. It's something that experienced people in this industry can just feel. And that's the condition Microsoft should fear. Because buzz can turn into something much harder to combat than sheer numbers.'" Via Slashdot .
The great thing about getting a Mac now is you're not really "switching", you're "gaining". With a Mac you don't have to decide between OS X and Windows, and thanks to Parallels you can run both operating systems at the same time. Apple isn't trying to ween you off Windows anymore, they're letting you know you can have the best of both worlds, and you can only do that with a Mac.
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 3/30/2007 12:42:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Since we announced Windows Mobile 6 at 3GSM the most common question I get from customers and partners is how the product compares to Windows Mobile 5.0 and what the incremental capabilities are.
The second most popular question is - what features require Exchange 2007.
To learn more or to download this PDF file, click here ." Via ms mobiles .
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 3/18/2007 04:41:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Hey, Microsoft, I'm thinking of throwing tupperware party next month. Let me know if you're interested." Via Gizmodo .
Labels: microsoft
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/26/2007 10:07:00 AM 0 comments links to this post
If you use Microsoft® Office Outlook® 2007 on Windows XP or Windows Vista, you'll need this update to perform HotSync operations with Outlook's Calendar, Contacts, Tasks and Notes, as well as optional non-wireless Email sync.
The software on this page is added to existing installations of Palm Desktop and HotSync Manager.
The software can be found here .
Labels: microsoft, palm, software
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/21/2007 08:12:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
"Microsoft's finally ready to take the wraps off Windows Mobile 6, the long-awaited successor to Windows Mobile 5 (what else?) that's been baking in the oven for a while now as "Crossbow." The platform formerly known as Pocket PC Phone Edition has become Windows Mobile 6 "Professional," while its more pocketable little brother, the Smartphone, has become "Standard" and plain ol' Pocket PCs are "Classic."
Major new features include:
- HTML support in email
- Windows Live for Windows Mobile
- File transfer capability in Windows Live Messenger
- New versions of mobile Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with rich editing
- Remote wipe capability for stolen and lost devices
- Call history in contact cards
- Tight Vista integration
- "Calendar ribbon" for more easily viewing schedule by day or week
- New versions of .NET Compact Framework and SQL Server built-in"
Labels: microsoft, windows mobile
¶ posted by Jimmie Geddes, Editor @ 2/07/2007 08:09:00 PM 0 comments links to this post
Contact Jimmie Geddes here: gadgetsonthego at gmail dot com.
