Microsoft Attempts Comeback With "Mango" Software

Microsoft announced its "Mango" Windows Phone 7 update will contain many new business features, as the software giant tries to catapult itself back into relevance in the smartphone market.

At its TechEd 2011 conference today, Microsoft said the Mango update will include cloud-connectivity via Windows Live SkyDrive, as well as integration with its Lync unified communications product.

Users will be able to save documents on Office 365 in addition to taking advantage of pinnable e-mail folders and improved data encryption. Mango will also allow business people to see e-mails in conversation view, plus search old messages on back-end servers.

This hefty dose of updates is Windows' attempt to catch up in the smartphone market, especially on the business end, where it once flourished before BlackBerry and others came along. Microsoft's Windows Mobile enjoyed brief popularity with its 2002 release, but according to analytics firm ComScore, the company now owns only 7.5 percent market share in the smartphone business.

The picture still looks bleak for Microsoft, with the Android platform now dominating the U.S. smartphone market, the once ubiquitous RIM steadily sliding second place, and Apple's iOS in a gaining third. Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 and its fledgling app store have not exactly rocked the market, as many see the design of both as a pale reflection of Apple's streamlined iPhones and App Store.

But there is good news, too. Even the thinnest BlackBerry yet has failed to produce an enthusiastic consumer response, not to mention the PlayBook's lukewarm reception. Microsoft's new Windows 7 Phone, though it received similarly uninterested reviews, could scoop RIM's dropping customers with its new business-oriented Mango updates and that me the target its gunning for.

Also, Microsoft is set to install its Windows OS on Nokia phones within a year. Nokia, still the world's largest handset maker by volume, has seen profits decline ever since failing -- like Microsoft -- to recognize the importance of app-centric, touch screen phones. But though individually neither is doing terribly well at the moment, a partnership between Nokia and the Redmond-based company may put a large dent in the smartphone market.

US Technical Committee starts testing Microsoft Windows 7

Microsoft Vista’s non-success will not stop the software giant to come out with Windows 7, the next Windows operating system that still remains (for the most part) to be a mystery. However, a test version has already been forwarded to the technical committed (TC) of US law enforcement perhaps to have the upcoming OS’ compliance checked, according to a court document filing.

The court document filing claims that the next operating system from Bill Gates’ Microsoft has full description but currently only the regulators have access to it, as well as, the test version. Regulators and Microsoft itself claimed in the filing:

“Microsoft recently supplied the TC with a build of Windows 7, and is discussing TC testing going forward. The TC will conduct middleware-related tests on future builds of Windows 7.”

No results and changes were made public but we’re sure that a long line of discussion and close encounter between the two groups can be expected.

Via- [http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/us-technical-committee-starts-testing-microsoft-windows-7/]

Microsoft launches the stylish, affordable Windows Laser Desktop 7000

Microsoft has announced its latest gadget that will complement consumers digital lifestyle today- the Windows Laser Desktop 7000. Designed to complement Windows Vista with its sleek design, the Desktop 7000 is composed of a wireless keyboard and mouse.

The Desktop 7000 wireless keyboard is an epitome of a modern design common among gadgets today. With an ultrathin comfort curve and rechargeable mouse, the Desktop 7000’s wireless keyboard delivers ultimate performance and comfort to consumers. The keyboard’s Windows-inspired translucent design is a pleasure to behold even if you are just looking at its digital picture. It also has floating Hot Keys that provide instant access to Windows ID making it a perfect companion to a Windows Vista-based PC.

In fact, Microsoft’s group marketing manager Carla Forester said that the Desktop 7000’s keyboard is an answer to Microsoft’s objective of connecting its hardware to the Vista software.

“The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 truly brings the best of both worlds together — a beautiful design and a full suite of productivity features — making it the best option for customers desiring a sophisticated accessory for their computer,” said Forrester.

Complementing the Desktop 7000 wireless keyboard is the wireless laser mouse 7000. The laser mouse has a horizontal charging station that provides a sturdy. The charging station has a battery status indicator that reminds users when the mouse needs to be charge.

The Wireless Desktop 7000 will be released by April 2008 and has an expected retail of $129.95. Amazon is currently accepting pre-orders which will be delivered in April.

Via- [http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/microsoft-launches-the-stylish-affordable-windows-laser-desktop-7000/]

Asus and Microsoft working an Eee-targeted version of Windows 7?

Now the nine-inch Eee is officially available with Windows XP pre-installed, people are wondering the obvious -- why XP and not Vista, since XP is being discontinued in June and Vista can kinda-sorta be made to run on an Eee? The answer, direct from Microsoft, is both obvious and a little surprising: Given the Eee's "other requirements," Asus and Microsoft "couldn't go the Vista route," presumably because the Eee doesn't really have the horsepower for it. Sure, but what caught our interest was that Microsoft is "in close discussions with Asus [regarding] how to take that forward... in regards to the Windows 7 Europe timeframe."

Windows 7, you'll recall, has that lean new kernel, which would presumably make building a stripped-down version specifically for Eee-class machines easier -- but the last we heard, Windows 7 wasn't due until at least mid-2009 (and possibly not until 2011), so either Microsoft is planning to continue shipping XP after June or Windows 7 is coming much earlier than we thought. Our money is on XP continuing to soldier on, but here's hoping.

Via- [http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/asus-and-microsoft-working-an-eee-targeted-version-of-windows-7/]

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 Available for Download

Microsoft has released the first public beta of Internet Explorer 8 for download by willing testers, which debuted this week at the Mix conference in Las Vegas. Intended for developers and designers only, IE8's most intriguing new feature so far is "Web Slices," which lets you monitor a single section of a web page, like an eBay auction (similar to Leopard's Web Clips.)

Web developers will be excited about better standards compliance. Check out some setup screens, including a Firefox settings import wizard that detects your 'fox extensions, after the jump.

The IE8 Beta 1 installation requires an entire system restart, which is a big pain in the buttocks. Once that's done, a setup wizard launches with some interesting settings:

Smart of the setup wizard to detect Firefox and its settings. I don't have Opera or Safari installed on this PC; I wonder if it goes as far as to detect those.

The mention of Firefox extensions is exciting! Wouldn't it be nice if Firefox extensions worked in IE8?
Interestingly, that "Go online to view similar IE add-ons" button only found one match for my ten extensions—a version of Greasemonkey for IE. I'm still in the midst of exploring IE8, and deciding whether Activities is a worthwhile, uh, activity.

The IE8 Beta 1 is a free download, but only go there if you're willing to deal with wonkiness—it is only the first beta. Also, the installation requires a system restart—ugh! Update: here's another good rundown of Web Slices and another new feature called "Activities".

Via- [http://lifehacker.com/364289/internet-explorer-8-beta-1-available-for-download]

Microsoft finally releases Singularity- The research oriented operating system

Microsoft Singularity- It's been in development for nearly half a decade, but this year at Microsoft's R&D extravaganza TechFest, the company finally lifted the curtain on its research-oriented Singularity OS.

Let's just be clear from the get-go, though: while it's is available for immediate use, Singularity is nowhere near anything you'd replace your desktop OS with. The sole intention here is to test out futuristic new concepts in application interaction, microkernel architecture, and so on, so don't expect to hear that Microsoft is hanging up the Vista apron or anything. But for the turbo-geeks in the crowd, the Singularity Research Development Kit (RDK) 1.1 is now available for download for academic non-commercial use. And for the rest of us, well, we'll just see what the year 2011 holds in store.

Via- [http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/05/microsoft-finally-releases-singularity-the-research-oriented/]

Microsoft and Harrah's confuse B-list celebs with Surface

We were originally supposed to see a "limited rollout" of Surface in 2007 at various Harrah's casino properties, which obviously didn't happen -- but despite the delays, Microsoft is apparently now feeling confident enough in the tech to let B- and C-list celebrities grope at it during the 2008 National Heads-Up Poker Championship Drawing Party at Caesar's Palace.

Unlike the standard demos we saw at CES which involved relentlessly upbeat hipster presenters doing things like making custom snowboard designs, the motley crew at Caesar's was apparently only allowed to crudely write their names on photographs of themselves. You can almost see the joy in Jason Alexander's face, can't you? Sadly, it looks like Don Cheadle wasn't able to erase whatever's printed on his jacket and poor Shannon Elizabeth didn't seem to be able make anything happen at all. Maybe Microsoft should have fired up that Hungry Hungry Hippos clone and let these fools battle out instead.

Via- [http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/03/microsoft-and-harrahs-confuse-b-list-celebs-with-surface/]

Microsoft VP: "I personally got burnt" by Vista Capable stickers

Those "Vista Capable" stickers certainly caused consumers a lot of confusion, and it looks like they even tripped up some senior Microsoft execs. According to internal MS emails introduced as evidence in the ongoing lawsuit over the program, several MS managers expressed concern that they were misleading people, with the VP of Windows product management saying "I PERSONALLY got burnt... I now have a $2,100 email machine" and Jim Allchin saying MS had "really botched" the program, and that it "had to do a better job with our customers." Of course, the main reason for all the confusion is the multiple editions of Vista that run with different capabilities depending on your hardware, but that's a subtle point to make with a sticker -- or, as one Microsoft employee admitted in an email, "Even a piece of junk will qualify" as Vista Capable. That's some pretty damning stuff, but the case isn't anywhere near resolution yet -- the judge has yet to decide whether to certify it as a class action, which looks like it'll depend on a technical reading of what exactly Microsoft was advertising throughout the Vista Capable program.

We'll know in 10 days, when the judge has said she'll issue a ruling -- we'd imagine the plaintiffs' legal team has plenty more of these emails in store if the case goes through.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/12/microsoft-vp-i-personally-got-burnt-by-vista-capable-stickers/

Microsoft bids $1.2 billion for search firm Fast

Microsoft Corp bid $1.2 billion to buy Norwegian business search software company Fast Search & Transfer in a deal focused on helping corporations manage and sift through their own files, a growing market also targeted by Google Inc.

The world's largest software maker offered to pay a 42% premium for Fast, the second-largest search provider that lets companies comb internal corporate documents, data and other information. Fast also sets up a search engine used by companies to help consumers navigate their Web site easier.

Fast said its board unanimously recommended that shareholders accept the Microsoft offer, which values the fully diluted equity of Fast at 6.6 billion Norwegian crowns, or about $1.2 billion. It has been viewed by industry analysts as a takeover candidate.

"The problem businesses have around the world is they generate lots of files and they don't know where they put them," said Kim Caughey, senior equity analyst at Fort Pitt Capital, which holds about 203,000 Microsoft shares.

"Microsoft has had desktop search for a while, but it really does need a more corporate approach to tracking and storing."

In recent years, larger technology industry players such as Google, International Business Machines Corp and Microsoft have started to move into the corporate, or enterprise, search market. This has led to flurry of acquisition activity.

The deal would spread Fast's search technologies more widely around the world, Fast Chief Executive John Lervik said. Fast posted a third-quarter loss of more than $100 million on revenue of nearly $36 million. Its clients include Dell Inc and Walt Disney Co.

Fast shares, which were suspended all day on Monday, jumped to the bid level of 19 crowns per share and then eased off to 18.80 crowns. The bid price is 42% higher than Fast's closing share price on January 4, the last day on which it traded.

Shareholders with 37% of Fast's stock, including its two biggest institutional investors -- Norway's Orkla and Hermes Focus Asset Management Europe -- have agreed to accept the offer, according to Microsoft and Fast.

The news pushed shares of Autonomy Corp Plc, a British rival of Fast, up 9%. Microsoft shares fell $1.17 cents to $33.44 on Nasdaq.

Google, the dominant player in Web search, aims to carry over its appeal with consumers into the corporate market. Its Google Search Appliance is taking aim at niche search companies such as Fast and Britain's Autonomy Corp Plc that have been viewed as possible takeover targets.

Research firm IDC said Autonomy ranks No. 1, and Fast No. 2, in enterprise search revenue.

"This industry has been consolidating for several years now," said Susan Feldman, an analyst at IDC. "Enterprise search is the missing piece in the software stack."

Feldman noted that smaller makers of software that allows companies to filter, search and analyze data, documents and information are being gobbled up by large software makers such as SAP AG, which is acquiring Business Objects SA.

MICROSOFT BID SEEN PREVAILING

"There can always be another (rival offer), but I believe Microsoft will get it for 19 crowns a share," said analyst Erik Hjulstroem at Kaupthing Bank.

Standard & Poor's analyst Matthias Eriksson said: "I don't think there will be a competing bid. The premium is too high, so I think people will be glad to get 19 crowns."

The deal is subject to regulatory approval and acceptance from shareholders with more than 90% of Fast's shares, Fast said. Microsoft expects the transaction to be completed in the second quarter of 2008.

"We think (enterprise search) will be for workers what Internet search is for consumers today," said Microsoft Business division President Jeff Raikes on a conference call with reporters and analysts.

Raikes mentioned that Fast's enterprise search is a natural fit with Microsoft's collaboration software SharePoint, a fast-growing segment of the company's Office business.

Matthew Glotzbach, Google's director of product management at its Enterprise division, said Microsoft's move does not pressure it to acquire an independent enterprise search provider, because its business is growing fast.

Google estimated that its enterprise search business has a larger market share and more revenue than Fast, which countered that it does not view Google as a significant competitor for high-end customers.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080108/wr_nm/fast_microsoft_dc;_ylt=AgMyG04gTaRI9o_l96vNqNsjtBAF

Beta of XP Service pack 3 update made public

Microsoft on Tuesday said it will make publicly available a beta version of Windows XP Service Pack 3. But, like a car salesman pitching the new Corvette over the old jalopy, Microsoft argued that a switch to Vista is the better move.

"While Windows Vista provides the most advanced security and management capabilities of any Windows operating system, Windows XP SP3 will ensure PCs running Windows XP will have the latest updates, as well as compatibility with the Network Access Protection functionality of Windows Server 2008," Microsoft said in a statement.

Lest anyone misread that as an endorsement, Microsoft goes on to say that "Windows XP SP3 does not bring significant portions of Windows Vista functionality to Windows XP."

The service pack has already been delayed several times as Microsoft has put its focus on getting Vista out the door and then updating that release.

Microsoft issued a release candidate version of XP SP3 in November and expanded its testing earlier this month, promising the public test version would come at some later date.

For anyone who still wants to try the darn thing, Microsoft says, the beta should be up on Microsoft's Web site later Tuesday and ready in final form in the first half of next year.

Source- http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9835411-56.html?tag=nefd.top

Windows Mobile 6.1 Has Streamlined Today Screen, More Improvements

The Windows Mobile successor seems to have gotten a tentative name (Windows Mobile 6.1), and Boy Genius has an illustrated guide to some of the fresh features you can find. Among them are a sideways scrolling home screen that gets rid of the cluttered Today page you have now, threaded SMS, recent programs in the Start Menu, and an auto-completing To: field in emails and SMS.

This all sounds pretty delicious so much so that we're actually getting excited about using Windows Mobile again. Either that or we've sniffed one too many white-erase markers this morning.

Source- http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/technolo_pee/urinal-headrest-invention-would-make-thomas-edison-proud-329221.php

Apple iPod vs Microsoft Zune 80

The Apple iPod Classic is the undisputed (until now) titan of high-capacity MP3 players, with a rich legacy dating back to 2001. Its rival, the Microsoft Zune, stepped on the scene only a year ago and was promptly cast as an ugly duckling. In its latest incarnation, the Zune 80, Microsoft has finally offered a worthy challenger to the iPod dynasty. Unlike the original 30GB Zune, which had the aesthetic charm of a bar of soap, the Zune 80 is capable of competing not just on features, but design as well.

Of course, there's more to an MP3 player than good looks. To be a truly feared and respected MP3 player in this day and age, you need excellent software, top-notch video playback, podcast support, a drool-worthy graphic user interface, premium sound quality, and an affordable price. It also doesn't upset to have a few tricks up your sleeve, such as games, or a Wi-Fi connection.

The only thing certain about this fight is that it will inevitably stir up a monsoon of disgust from both sides--no matter who wins.

Source- http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-11399_7-324-101.html?tag=nefd.lede

Xbox 360 fall dashboard update details revealed

Starting December 4, Xbox 360 owners will be able to download the latest dashboard update from Microsoft. While we stated earlier in the month that this update would allow users to download original Xbox titles, this update will also add various additional features to the console's interface. Since dashboard updates are only released bi-yearly, they are usually packed with a hefty amount of changes and this fall update is no different:

• Xbox LIVE Arcade hits: Best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games like Marble Blast Ultra and Lumines LIVE will be available at permanently discounted prices.
• New video features: Support for full-screen video previews and, more importantly, support for the DivX video codec (version 5.0 and higher).
• Inside Xbox: A direct newsfeed from Microsoft outlining up-to-the-minute information regarding Xbox LIVE and the Marketplace.
• Enhanced parental controls: New features include a timer that can limit the amount of time a child can play per day or week.
• Enhanced online profile: Allows members to append more information about themselves and limit who can see it on Xbox LIVE.
• Enchanced friends list access: Gamers can now see the friends list of other members of Xbox LIVE.
• Improved navigation: Game Store and Video Store buttons will be added to the interface, further simplifying navigation.

Source- http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9827162-7.html?tag=recentPosts

Xbox 360: Reviews Of Some Great games for holiday Season

Shopping for gamers can always be a bit difficult if the shopper is not familiar with the available platform games and the specific tastes of the individual. However, with this helpful guide, shoppers can deal with to wrangle up a great holiday gift for any Xbox 360 gamer on their list, getting by knowing only the basics about the types of games the individual gift recipient enjoys.

When shopping for Xbox 360 players, it is essential to look at what has happened this year (2007) with Microsoft, since this will help to determine what games are available, how sought after specific games are or have been, and what games are exclusive to the Xbox 360.

After 2 years, Microsoft has made a number of strides with the Xbox 360 console. Not only outselling PS3 games in Japan, but also managing to make a profit for the first time, gamers of the Xbox 360 platform is likely to love game gifts this season.

Halo 3 and Grand Theft Auto IV are some great action games that are doing well with the Xbox 360. Not only that, but Microsoft has managed to nab exclusive rights to the latest installment of the Grand Theft Auto series. If your gift recipient is one who appreciates tactical maneuvers or car chases and action, these are going to be some potential gifts to consider.

Other games that left Sony to partner up with the Xbox team include Ace Combat 6, Final Fantasy XI and the to-be-released games Resident Evil 5 and Devil May Cry 4. If you are looking to buy any of these games, it is important to be aware that the only platform they will be available on is the Xbox 360.

Source- http://www.gadgetell.com/2007/11/xbox-360-year-in-review-great-games-for-the-holidays/

Microsoft-powered robot makes its debut

It's taken a little while, but it seems that the first robot based on Microsoft's Robotics Studio package is now available for sale, although it's far from a consumer bot. Running a hefty $5,345, the so-called "e-nuvo WALK" robot from Japan's ZMP (makers of the e-nuvo WHEEL, as well) measures 14 inches tall and is apparently intended mainly for research and education although, as you can see above, it also seems to be a well-built candidate for the next RoboCup.

According to the AP, those in Japan can place their orders for the robot now, but they'll have to wait until sometime in January before they actually gets their hands on one.

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/microsoft-powered-biped-robot-makes-its-debut/

Hot Christmas gadgets: Nintendo Wii, sat nav and iPods

Christmas, of course, comes earlier every year. For retailers it starts earlier than most as they try to identify the year’s 'must have' gifts. In order to give them a bit of a hand, some predictions for what HITWISE think about this year’s hot gadgets, entertainment, toys and fashions.

Search term analysis provides great insight into people's habits and desires, so we analysed the top 2,000 search terms that sent traffic to a Hitwise Custom Category consisting of the top 100 online retail websites in the UK during the four weeks ending 22nd September 2007. Gadgets are up first, and our definition encompasses a range of consumer electronics products including mobile phones, computers and peripherals, games consoles, in car entertainment and navigation systems, and audio-visual equipment.

Nintendo Wii is the most searched for gaming console in the UK, ranking as the sixth most popular gadget heading into Christmas, ahead of the Xbox 360 at number 7 and the Nintendo DS at number 8. There were 5 times as many searches for the Nintendo Wii as the Sony Playstation 3, which did not make the top 10 gadget list.

Top gadgets by share of searches-

Mobile phones are the most popular gadgets in the UK, capturing 46% of all searches, followed by computers, iPods, satellite navigation systems and high definition televisions. The success for the TomTom brand of satellite navigation systems continues with the number of searches for 'tomtom' double that for the generic term 'sat nav'. Searches for 'external hard drive' have increased by 15% year on year, reflecting a desire among UK consumers to back up their precious collections of digital music, photos and videos.

The Nokia N95 multimedia phone captures almost one in ten searches for mobile phone models in the UK, making it the most popular handset. It is followed closely by the stylish Nokia 6300, with 8.7% of searches, and the Samsung G600 5 mega pixel camera phone, with 8.5%.

Top mobile phone models by share of searches-

The top mobile phone manufacturer by share of UK Internet searches is Nokia, which receives 35% of searches across the top 5 brands, followed by Sony Ericsson with 29% and Samsung with 24%. Motorola is at number four with a 6% share, followed by LG with 5%.

There are 14 times as many searches for the Apple iPod as for all the other MP3 players combined. Two thirds of searches are for the generic iPod, while one in five searchers is looking specifically for the iPod Nano, which has seen searches increase by 67% year on year.

Most searched for gadget brands-

The new iPod Touch and the UK release of the iPhone were announced too late to have a significant impact on the retail search data, but there is a massive amount of internet buzz about both products. For example, the volume of searches for ‘iPhone’ sending traffic to News and Media websites has increased 5 fold over the last month. With Apple the most searched for gadget brand in the UK, it seems likely that both products will find eager fans amongst British consumers. Dell is the second most searched for brand, receiving almost four times as many searches as its nearest rival HP.

Source- http://weblogs.hitwise.com/robin-goad/2007/09/hot_christmas_gadgets_nintendo.html

Microsoft UK Offers Ten Free XBLA Games

If you live in the UK, here’s another reason to buy yourself an Xbox 360 – if you purchase one on a friend’s recommendation, both of you will get ten XBLA games absolutely free! All you have to do is fill in a form jointly with that friend of yours, and you’ll have these titles available for free:

Every Extend Extra Extreme, Sonic The Hedgehog, Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting, Bomberman Live, Marble Blast Ultra, Spyglass Boardgames, 3D Mini Golf Adventures, Small Arms, Assault Heroes and Zuma Deluxe.
Here's what Stephen McGill, head of gaming and entertainment, devices division, Microsoft UK had to say -

"Going into this holiday period with one of the greatest line ups in video game history is certainly a compelling reason for a friend to jump into the world of Xbox 360. However, this incredible offer also enforces the fact we’ve got an exceptional online service in Xbox Live, which truly does bring everyone together."

I’m not sure if this offer will ever make it to the Indian market, but my best guess is that it’ll be a while before we see something if this sort around here. After all, XBL has just launched in India and Microsoft wouldn't want to give us free goodies just yet.

Source- http://www.tech2.com/india/news/xbox360-games/microsoft-uk-offers-ten-free-xbla-games/22453/0