Chinese Surfers see red over Microsoft Black-outs

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BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Internet users have expressed fury at Microsoft's launch of an anti-piracy tool targeting Chinese computer users to ensure they buy genuine software and not a copy.
The "Windows Genuine Advantage" program, which turns the user's desktop black if the installed software fails a validation test, is Microsoft's latest weapon in its war on piracy in China, where the vast majority of 200 million computer users are believed to be using fake software, unwittingly or not.
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Posted on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 01:50:22 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft SideWinder X5 Mouse Review

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Today we are checking out the Microsoft SideWinder X5 gaming mouse. The mouse offers nice features like programmable buttons and macro recording capability.

Sensitivity for the mouse is adjustable and up to 2000 DPI. There are much more sensitive gaming mice on the market from other manufacturers, but the X5 may be a good alternative for some gamers. Read more

Posted on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:40:39 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft Explorer Mouse with BlueTrack Review

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Today we are looking at the latest mouse technology from Microsoft. The mouse is called the Microsoft Explorer Mouse and it uses the new BlueTrack sensor promising improved tracking across a variety of surfaces.

The mouse is comfortable to use and uses wireless technology for connectivity. The full size design is intended for mobile users, but can be used at a desktop computer as well. Read more

Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:47:36 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Norway Police charge Microsoft's Fast with Fraud

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OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian police' economic crimes unit said it had charged Microsoft-owned search technology firm Fast Search & Transfer with accounting fraud on Thursday.
"We are raiding Fast's offices now to secure evidence," police attorney Baard Thorsen said. "The charge is for accounting fraud."
Fast was acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion in February.
Read more

Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 07:45:32 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft releases Silverlight 2

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Microsoft releases Sliverlight 2. The first release of Silverlight dates back over one year.
Silverlight is Microsoft's answer to Adobe's Flash and other web tools.
Silverlight 2 delivers a wide range of new features and tools that enable designers and developers to better collaborate while creating more accessible, more discoverable and more secure user experiences.

Microsoft also announced further support of open source communities by funding advanced Silverlight development capabilities with the Eclipse Foundation's integrated development environment (IDE) and by providing new controls to developers with the Silverlight Control Pack (SCP) under the Microsoft Permissive License. Read more

Posted on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:06:41 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse with BlueTrack Review

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Tweaktown published a review of the Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse.
Quote from the review: "The latest slick offering from the big MS mob comes in the form of a rather miniature rodent, the Explorer Mini Mouse! The little gem is touting the latest all-surface tracking technology as well as power saving features and a sporty little bag, too! Read more

Posted on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:20:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 Review

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Hardware Pacers published a review of the Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 webcam.
Quote from the review: "The VX-5000 is one of Microsoft's low-price midrange LifeCam models. Microsoft's LifeCam series cameras are an exceptional way to enhance Internet Communications. User’s can now share meaningful connections with friends and family using sight and sound all through the convenience of the internet. Read more

Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2008 16:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft launches Software for cheap Portugal Laptop

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LISBON (Reuters) - Microsoft launched on Friday a software package for a Portuguese ultra-cheap laptop for school children that the government hopes will boost the country's technological edge in education.
Portugal started rolling out the 'Magellan' computer at schools last month. It aims to hand out a total 500,000 of the laptops, which cost just 50 euros ($69.29) for school children, at home and export it to countries in Latin America and Africa.
Read more

Posted on Sat, 4 Oct 2008 06:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft to stick with Licensing Fees for Windows Mobile

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By Tarmo Virki
OSLO (Reuters) - Microsoft plans to continue charging licensing fees from handset makers for using its mobile operating system and not follow the free offerings of Google and Nokia, Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said on Tuesday.
The pressure on Microsoft's high licensing fees has increased over 2008 with Google rolling out free Android technology and Nokia offering to buy out others from Symbian and also make its software royalty-free.
Read more

Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

No one immune to global Crisis: Microsoft CEO

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By Tarmo Virki
OSLO (Reuters) - Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer said on Tuesday no company was immune to the global financial crisis, which he expects to sap both consumer and business spending.
"Financial issues are going to affect both business spending and consumer spending, and particularly ... spending by the financial services industry," Ballmer told reporters on the sidelines of a news conference in the Norwegian capital.
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Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:45:08 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft Xbox 360 is I4U Top 100 Gift Tip #39

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Microsoft recently cut prices on its Xbox 360 game console leading to massive of new sales around the world. The Xbox has one of the largest game libraries around and has good graphics and more.

Netflix users can stream movies directly from the Xbox to their TV and the console can play DVD's as well. The new lower pricing makes the Xbox 360 one of the cheapest game consoles on the market. If you can’t get your hands on a Nintendo Wii this holiday season and the PS3 is outside your budget, the Xbox 360 is a great solution.

The new NXE makes the Xbox 360 even more attractive. The Netflix streaming capability adds value for movie lovers. The new Holiday bundles make the Xbox 360 a hot video game console choice for the 2008 Holidays. Read more

Posted on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:22:03 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Rockstar and Microsoft Announce GTA IV Xbox Live Weekend

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Microsoft and Rockstar Games have announced the Grand Theft Auto Live Weekend exclusively for the Xbox console. The event will start on Friday September 26th and run through Sunday 28th and is open to all XBOX Gold members.

The contest will include prizes and players can win entry into the grand prize drawing. The grand prize is an Xbox 360 Elite, 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription and 4000 Microsoft points. Players will be able to play against other players and the GTA IV development team. Read more

Posted on Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

New Microsoft I'm a PC TV Ads available Online

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The new wave of Microsoft TV ads are now available on online. The new I'm a PC ads open with a John Hodgman look a like that ties the campaign to the Apple Get a Mac ads.
The ads show lots of people saying the I'm a PC mantra including celebrities like Eve Longoria.

There are currently 3 I'm a PC ads published. All end with the new slogan Windows without Walls. Read more

Posted on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:46:28 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft launches Windows without Walls Campaign

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As reported earlier the next phase of the Microsoft Vista advertising blitz starts today and Seinfeld is already history.
Tonight Microsoft launches new TV ads that 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. Read more

Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:04:40 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft and Pioneer Enter Patent Cross-Licensing Agreement

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Microsoft and Pioneer Electronics announced today that they have entered into a patent cross-licensing agreement that will help develop both companies' product lines. The agreement covers a broad range of consumer products according to the firms.

Products covered include Pioneers auto navigation products and TVs along with Microsoft software products. It's easy to imagine that Pioneer will get some flavor of Windows for its GPS devices, Microsoft will get to build its new TV platform, and media center software into TVs. Read more

Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:36:03 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft Streets & Trips 2009 Debuts

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Microsoft announced its latest Streets & Trips 2009 edition today. The new 2009 version can be purchased with or without a Pharos GPS receiver that connects to a laptop USB port. The new version features options to help you find local attractions and make trips close to home.

A search feature lets you find points of interest within a 50-mile radius of your home. The POI database has over 1.5 million entries. The software features free online road update to keep the database of construction and closed roads fresh. Street maps for the US and Canada are updated in the 2009 version. The 2009 version with GPS retails for $74.95 and the standard version is $39.95. Read more

Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:58:04 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Amazon.com hires Microsoft exec: NY Post

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(Reuters) - Amazon.com Inc has appointed a senior Microsoft Corp executive to head its U.S. advertising sales as the global Internet retailer ramps up its online ad business, The New York Post reported.
Read more

Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:20:24 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft Announces Platform for TV on PC

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Microsoft announced that it has delivered a system called the Protected Broadcast Driver Architecture (PDBA), which is a global platform allowing broadcast TV on the PC. PDBA was made possible by the recent release of Windows Media Center TV Pack.

The TV Pack allows a new hardware ecosystem to support broadcast TV on the PC. The system as a whole promises broadcasters strong protection to help entice pay TV broadcasters to allow their programming on PCs. Read more

Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:09:25 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync now on all Nokia S60 3rd Edition Phones

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Nokia today announced that it is expanding its device range which enables Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync to all Nokia S60 3rd Edition devices.
43 Nokia devices will now feature the Mail for Exchange mobile email application, making Nokia's device range the largest ever to enable the solution chosen by more businesses than any other messaging solution.
Nokia also announced today that Mail for Exchange will be available out-of-the-box in future releases of Nokia Eseries and Nokia Nseries devices. Read more

Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft Announces New Mouse, Webcams, and Mouse Tech

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Microsoft has been working overtime today. It has officially unveiled a proprietary tracking technology for a computer mouse it calls BlueTrack that promises to combine the width and power of optical mice with the precision of laser mice allowing for tracking on virtually any surface. The technology will debut in the Microsoft Explorer Mouse and Explorer Mini Mouse this fall. The two mice will be available with the full size mouse going for $99.95 and the mini going for $79.95.

Microsoft also officially announced its Wireless Arc mouse that was leaked a few months back. The mouse is a crescent shape and comes in either red or black. The mouse folds down for easier portability when not in use. The wireless mouse uses 2.4GHz technology and has a carry case. The Arc Mouse will ship in September for $59.95. Read more

Posted on Tue, 9 Sep 2008 13:32:34 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft SideWinder X6 Gaming Keyboard Review

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Today we are looking at the latest gaming keyboard from Microsoft called the SideWinder X6. This gaming keyboard has lots of unique features that gamers will love.

The biggest feature is the number pad that is fully programmable and can be moved from the right to the left side of the keyboard. The X6 is also fully backlit and has several more features that are interesting. Read more

Posted on Wed, 3 Sep 2008 18:16:40 CDT | by Shane McGlaun