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//Tuesday, September 23, 2008


  Windows Mobile 7 release delayed
"Microsoft has informed some of its partners that it has had to delay Windows Mobile 7, a much anticipated update to its cell phone operating system.

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 .

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//Thursday, September 18, 2008


  Microsoft's latest ad ditches Seinfeld for a copy of the "I'm a PC guy " from Apple's "Get a mac" ads

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???

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  Microsoft may have thrown Apple an iPod nano headache
"Apple is notifying some of its customers this week that it will be unable to meet quoted delivery times for its new 16GB iPod nanos, fueling rumors that the company was forced to make a last minute change to the product line, possibly at the hands of rival Microsoft.

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 .

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  Microsoft drops Seinfeld, to target "Get a Mac" with new ads
"As quickly as it began, Microsoft's fling with comedian Jerry Seinfeld has come to an end. In a development first reported by Valleywag, Microsoft announced today that the Bill & Jerry "teaser ads" that launched two weeks ago were always meant to be short-lived, and that they would give way to a new series of ads starting tonight. In short, Microsoft has disposed of Seinfeld's toothbrush in the bathroom and replaced it with a shiny new one.

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 .

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//Friday, September 05, 2008


  Microsoft desperately copying Apple with "Microsoft Gurus"
"Microsoft on Friday said that its $300 million marketing campaign will now involve in-store representatives to promote the brand, the company's general manager of corporate communications, Tom Pilla, says. Effectively mimicking Apple's Geniuses as well as their floor specialists, Microsoft will run a trial later this year that sees 155 trained experts in Windows, nicknamed Microsoft Gurus, answering questions at larger retail chains such as Best Buy and Circuit City.

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.

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  Microsoft's $300 million ad featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld airs (WTF???)

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 ;)

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//Monday, September 01, 2008


  "App Store" coming to Windows Mobile in form of "Skymarket"
Microsoft is following/copying Apple's App Store by introducing "Skymarket". Skymarket is described as "a marketplace service for Windows Mobile". Skymarket is expected to debut when Microsoft launches Windows Mobile 7. You'd think Microsoft would come up with a better name, as Google announced last week their "App Store" knock-off would be called "Andorid Marketplace" . Via Engadget .

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//Saturday, August 23, 2008


  Microsoft posts" We're not cool enough to run on OS X"

Microsoft has posted the above on their PhotoSynth website . Pretty uncharacteristically of Microsoft, don't ya think?

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//Thursday, August 21, 2008


  Microsoft Hires Seinfeld to Bite Apple
"Apple keeps pummeling Microsoft in its ads, and yadda yadda yadda, the world's largest software maker plans to hire comedian Jerry Seinfeld for its new marketing campaign, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

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"

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//Thursday, July 24, 2008


  Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer sends out email to all Microsoft employees on new priorities
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has sent out a memo to all Microsoft employees about Microsoft's new priorities. All Things Digital has the full memo. Here's some highlights:

"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.

"Apple: In the competition between PCs and Macs, we outsell Apple 30-to-1. But there is no doubt that Apple is thriving. Why? Because they are good at providing an experience that is narrow but complete, while our commitment to choice often comes with some compromises to the end-to-end experience. Today, we’re changing the way we work with hardware vendors to ensure that we can provide complete experiences with absolutely no compromises. We’ll do the same with phones—providing choice as we work to create great end-to-end experiences."

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//Tuesday, July 22, 2008


  Microsoft begins multi-million dollar campaign in response to Apple's "Get a Mac" ad

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...

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//Tuesday, June 24, 2008


  Microsoft announces Windows XP support through 2014

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."

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//Tuesday, May 27, 2008


  Microsoft gives a sneak peek into Windows 7 (Vista's successor)
Engadget is at the D6 Conference, where Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer showed off Windows 7 and demoed what Steve Ballmer called "the smallest snippet" to Windows 7 (Vista's successor). Windows 7's biggest "smallest snippet" is a pretty BIG & IMPRESSIVE feature, it offers full multi-touch support. You know, the same kind of multi-touch found on devices from Apple. Windows 7 was running on a Dell Latitude XT Tablet, and I must say it's VERY IMPRESSIVE. Steve Ballmer also said Windows 7 would be available "3 years after Vista".

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!!

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//Sunday, May 04, 2008


  Some things just aren't meant to be...
"Microsoft (MSFT, news, msgs) is walking away from an offer worth perhaps as much as $48 billion to acquire Internet-services company Yahoo (YHOO, news, msgs).

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 .

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//Monday, April 28, 2008


  A picture paints a thousand words

Gizmodo has gotten hold of a picture of the choice of laptop used by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer during a presentation.

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//Friday, April 18, 2008


  Microsoft CEO Ballmer says Windows Vista ‘a work in progress’
"As PC users clamor for Microsoft to continue to support Windows XP, company CEO Steve Ballmer called the Vista OS "a work in progress" at an annual Seattle event on Thursday.

"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 .

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//Thursday, April 03, 2008


  Microsoft extends XP's life
"SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. said Thursday it will keep selling a version of Windows XP for use on a new breed of low-cost computers for at least two years longer than the system will be available for mainstream PCs.

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."

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//Friday, February 29, 2008


  Microsoft discounts Windows Vista

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."

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//Thursday, February 21, 2008


  Microsoft Makes Strategic Changes in Technology and Business Practices to Expand Interoperability
New interoperability principles and actions will increase openness of key products.

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.”

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  Media Alert: Microsoft Executives to Make Significant Company Announcement
Details of the announcement will be provided during a press teleconference.

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.

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//Thursday, February 14, 2008


  Danger's price tag: Reportedly $500 million
"Microsoft didn't say how much it was paying for Danger when it announced the deal on Monday. However, according to Om Malik, the price tag for the company was $500 million.

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. "

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//Monday, February 11, 2008


  Microsoft to Acquire Sidekick Maker Danger Inc.
"Microsoft, who recently made a bid to buy search competitor Yahoo!, has announced moments ago that it will be acquiring Danger Inc. for an undisclosed sum.

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.

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//Sunday, February 10, 2008


  Sony Ericsson to deliver handsets using Microsoft's operating system
"BARCELONA, Spain: Microsoft has struck an alliance with Sony Ericsson to deliver handsets using its operating system, a Microsoft executive said Sunday.

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."

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//Saturday, February 09, 2008


  Yahoo Board to Reject Takeover Bid From Microsoft
The New York Times is reporting that Yahoo plans on rejecting Microsoft's takeover bid.

"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."

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//Friday, February 01, 2008


  Microsoft Proposes Acquisition of Yahoo!
Transaction valued at approximately $44.6 billion in cash and stock; provides 62 percent premium to current trading price for Yahoo! shareholders; combined entity to create a more competitive company, providing superior value to shareholders, better choice and innovation for customers and partners

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.”

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//Wednesday, January 09, 2008


  Video: Bill Gates' Last Day at Microsoft
From istartedsomething.com via fark.com

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.

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//Monday, January 07, 2008


  Bill Gates perpetuates Apple Tablet rumor at CES 2008
Gizmodo has posted a video interview with Bill Gates from CES 2008. Bill explains the difference between Microsoft and Apple in a very Dr. Evil voice;) He even brings up the "rumored Apple tablet". He says,"I still believe in the Tablet, we haven't made it mainstream, now rumors say Apple may do something in that space."

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//Thursday, December 13, 2007


  Next Version of Windows to Incorporate Advanced Touch Features
"A Microsoft blogger revealed yesterday that the next version of Windows ("Windows 7") will contain touch features with specific claims that the new features will 'blow away' the current touch features on the iPhone:

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 .

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//Wednesday, December 12, 2007


  Microsoft confuses the world, again

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;)

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//Wednesday, November 28, 2007


  Microsoft adds iPhone, iPod sync to Office 2008
"Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac will let users port PowerPoint presentations to iPhones and video-equipped iPods, Microsoft Corp. said yesterday as it unveiled the latest details of the suite scheduled to ship in January.

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."

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//Tuesday, November 13, 2007


  Microsoft's freshest Zunes are available

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.

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//Wednesday, September 26, 2007


  Another Microsoft Search Engine...

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

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//Wednesday, September 05, 2007


  Microsoft cuts Zune price to $199, nobody cares

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.

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//Monday, July 23, 2007


  RedmondMag: Windows XP Just Too Good, Harming Vista
"Vista could mark a turning point for Microsoft. It could be the Microsoft's first OS that suffers on the sales side because its predecessor works so well, according to RedmondMag.

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."

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//Tuesday, June 26, 2007


  Apple, Microsoft to push Exchange Direct Push to iPhone?
Engadget is reporting that Microsoft will be announcing tomorrow that Apple has licensed Exchange Active Sync for the iPhone. This will allow for Exchange Direct Push email from Microsoft Exchange servers, something the iPhone needs if it really wants to compete with BlackBerries and Treos in the corporate world. It's still a rumor at this point, but seems very plausible.

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//Tuesday, May 29, 2007


  Top Secret Microsoft Product To Launch At Midnight
"I'm told that tonight, at 12:01am EST (okay, so tomorrow), the division of Microsoft that launched the Xbox and the Zune will unveil something very special . What it is, we do not know for sure, but it's "something totally new coming out of the Entertainment and Devices division, and it's going to change the way people interact with technology." The email (which was not a tip but rather was mistakenly sent to me through official channels) also stated that "you really have to see it to believe it." How tantalizing.

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 .

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//Friday, May 04, 2007


  Microsoft to buy Yahoo?
"Microsoft Corp. has stepped up its pursuit of a deal to buy Yahoo Inc., two newspapers reported on Friday, as the two companies reenter talks to strike a deal amid huge growth from rival Google Inc.," Reuters reports.

"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."

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//Wednesday, April 04, 2007


  Zune for free with a phone-like plan?
"According to Zune marketing director, Jason Reindorp, Microsoft is looking at using the Zune Pass subscription just like mobile phone providers use their plans. This means a future flash version of Zune, could be released for a low price or even for free with a Zune Pass subscription plan...

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

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//Friday, March 30, 2007


  Why Microsoft Should Fear Apple


"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.

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//Sunday, March 18, 2007


  Microsoft releases comparison document - Windows Mobile 5.0 versus Windows Mobile 6
"When we interviewed Microsoft about Windows Mobile 6 at 3GSM 2007 we learned that Windows Mobile 6 brings over 10,000 improvements over Windows Mobile 5.0 ! Here comes a 2 page PDF file, that highlights some most important differences! Jason Langridge from Microsoft UK writes:

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 .

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//Monday, February 26, 2007


  Microsoft Sponors Frat Party Trying To Make Zune Cool
"While most of the Free World has already written off the Microsoft Zune as being way too little, way too late, that didn't stop the Redmond behemoth from desperately trying to make its Little DAP That Couldn't appear to be "cool" at U Penn. The company sponsored a Sigma Alpha Epsilon frat party last weekend, where all the cool kids used a Zune for the first (and last?) time. Microsoft was trying to bolster its image on campus by sponsoring some silly beer drinking cabal's get together. Who knows, maybe Microsoft will start sponsoring other totally hip events and functions, like the AARP Annual Dance Contest or a Daughters of the American Revolution baby shower.

Hey, Microsoft, I'm thinking of throwing tupperware party next month. Let me know if you're interested." Via Gizmodo .

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//Wednesday, February 21, 2007


  Palm releases Outlook® 2007 Update for Palm OS Devices

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 .

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//Wednesday, February 07, 2007


  Microsoft officially unveils Windows Mobile 6

"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"

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