News about microsoft:
Microsoft gets paid, Android brings in more dough than Windows Phone
This morning a report was released stating that Android puts more money in Microsoft’s bank than Windows phone. HTC, which runs Android on a number of its devices is required to pay Microsoft, $5 per unit sold. That being said, if HTC sells around 30 million devices, that would mean they would be paying Microsoft a grand total of (I’m sure our reader can do the math) $150 million. Now that’s a good chunk of cash just from HTC that’s going straight to company that owns the mobile platform, Windows Phone.
Microsoft Encouraging Higher Prices for Windows Phone Apps
With Microsoft’s software update due this fall, nicknamed Mango, the company is trying to bring over developers to the Windows Marketplace for Mobile by encouraging them to charge more for Windows Phone apps. Microsoft hopes to compete with the highly successful iTunes App Store by offering up better quality apps, as opposed to cheap or free apps that involve fart sounds.
Microsoft shows off the house of the future
About two years ago, we reported on a video of what Microsoft’s version of 2019 would look like. As I recall, it was full of giant touchscreens, and simple handhelds that can do just about anything. What you can see after the jump is another video showing what the average house of the future could look like.
Microsoft’s plan for shape-shifting touchscreens
One of the problems with touchscreens is that they are way too…flat. That, and there is often very little tactile feedback. If I want to type, I want to feel physical keys underneath me. That way, if I hit a “g” instead of an “f” key, I can feel it. I don’t want to have to look at my text to find out that I screwed up.
Microsoft LifeCam Studio webcam is ready for prime time
Microsoft’s latest LifeCam Studio webcam is prepared to hit the ground running, especially for those who are involved in long distance relationships as well as folks who grew up in a closely knit family, but simply because of education and work, had to be relocated to a different city or state altogether. Instead of relying on expensive phone calls, why not settle for video calls over the computer? With the advent of VoIP software such as Skype, communications has gotten a whole lot easier, cheaper and convenient. Webcams have been an indispensable tool in this area, and Microsoft hopes to add some polish to this peripheral market with their latest LifeCam Studio webcam which will usher in the High Definition era.
Microsoft Kinect Beta Invitations Are Out: Did You Get Yours?
Rumors mills are working again. Microsoft is doling out invitations via Connect to the users for testing its “Xbox LIVE and Kinect 
Beta Program’. If the screen captures of the said invitations are genuine, then Microsoft is going … [visit site to read more]
Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 May Have Yelp and YouTube Apps
The much anticipated Windows Phone 7, which has already been previewed, was noted to have been missing an important critical feature; web video. However, it seems such speculation may have been too early, as it appears there will at least be a YouTube feature added before the Phone is finished. A tweet by former Microsoft program manager Justin Angel, who must have had access to the Windows Phone 7 marketplace, shows a collage … [visit site to read more]
Microsoft Lets Out Information about ‘Menlo’ Mobile Phone
Microsoft is under intense pressure to come up with a formidable alternative to ward off stiff competition from Android and iOS4. The company researchers are currently working on a project codenamed as “Menlo”. And now a few details have emerged about the … [visit site to read more]
PlayStation Move Vs Microsoft Kinect: PS Move Set to Dominate Sales in the Motion Controller Wars
As the release dates of the PlayStation Move and Xbox’s Kinect are being anxiously awaited, the question frying on everyone’s lips is, which motion controller will be more successful.
Well, it looks like this question has an early answer, because after a UK survey carried out by sales website Groupola, it looks like the motion-controlled gaming wars between Sony’s PlayStation Move and Microsoft’s Kinect is showing signs for an overwhelming Sony victory in sales. The survey, which … [visit site to read more]
iPad Contender? Windows Show Off the ‘Masterpad’
Tablet PCs are set to be a huge section of the tech industry and after Apple paved the way with the ground-breaking iPad, now everybody wants to be an Apple contender.
Microsoft To Introduce Oak Trail Based Tablet in 2011
Apple has clearly demonstrated its command over the still-in-its-infancy tablet segment, not only by the sheer volume of iPads it has sold, but also by the fact that most of the other prominent tablet makers have decided to adopt the rather unfortunate moniker as well. However, in a bid … [visit site to read more]
New Microsoft brand logos, company tagline revealed at MGX event? (update: no new logos, tagline is a go)
It looks like Microsoft may have revealed something big at its annual MGX (Microsoft Global Exchange) event, namely… new logos for its main brands and a fresh brand motto. “Be What’s Next” touts a teaser which has been posted on YouTube, along with a fast moving sequence of morphing logos, shuffling from Windows, to Windows Phone, Xbox, Bing, and finally the familiar Office logo that’s been kicking around for a little longer. It’s unclear if these are just treatments used for a promo at the event, or if this is a signal that Redmond is dumping its familiar (and frankly dated) iconography for something a little looser, leaner, and hipper, but we can’t say it would be a bad thing. It would certainly make sense against a backdrop of potential comeback in the mobile space, gains in search, and the seemingly successful (or at least satisfying) Windows 7 launch. One thing is for sure, MGX is a corporate, non-public opportunity for the Microsoft faithful to cheer the brand (Ballmer received a 30 year commemoration at MGX 2010), so this would definitely be the place to unfurl some new branding. Check the video after the break to see the new style, and hit the gallery below for a bigger look.
Microsoft to employees: ‘everybody gets a Windows Phone 7!’
Microsoft guru extraordinaire Mary Jo Foley has retweeted a company employee boasting of a commitment to hand out Windows Phone 7 devices to each and every one of Redmond’s 90,000-plus employees around the world. That’s certainly one way to spread the word — and realistically, the cost to Microsoft is a drop in the bucket if they can really take advantage of the word-of-mouth advertising effect here. Of course, step one in that process is going to be making sure the product is absolutely rock solid by the time those gratis units start getting handed out. Microsoft staffers do know how to multitask when they’re working, right? Read the rest of this entry »
Microsoft says to expect non-casual, ‘hybrid’ Kinect games ‘over the coming 18 months’
Excited by some of the possibilities Kinect offers for non-casual games? Then it looks like you might have a bit of a wait in store. Speaking with GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft’s VP for Interactive Entertainment in Europe, Chris Lewis, went to some length to point out that Microsoft isn’t ignoring core gamers, but would only go as far as to say that non-casual, “hybrid” games that use both Kinect and a standard controller would likely become available “over the coming 18 months or so.” Not many more details beyond that, unfortunately, but Lewis did divulge a bit of UK news, saying that sales went up “1,000 percent week-over-week with an 84 per cent market share” following the release of the new, redesigned Xbox 360. Read the rest of this entry »
Microsoft Confirms Kinect Pricing and Confirms New Slim Arcade
Microsoft’s bigwig Aaron Greenberg announced yesterday the pricing for their hotly-anticpated Kinect movement control would be £129.99 with Kinect Adventures, and announced that it will be bundled with a new slim Xbox for £250.
Microsoft introduces new Xbox 360 4GB bundle
Microsoft has just announced a brand new way to spend your summer, and they don’t want you to do it outdoors. No sir, the big M prefers you to use up most of your waking time indoors thanks to a new controller-free way of playing video games with their spanking new Kinect system which will come bundled with an all-new Xbox 360 6GB console. Of course, what is the point of having all the hardware in the world when you do not have any software to go along with it? Microsoft has certainly not overlooked that fact, and will be rolling out “Kinect Adventures” packaged together in the bundle, retailing for $299.99 a pop.
New Xbox 360 4GB ships August 3rd for $199, Kinect standalone priced at $149, bundle coming this holiday for $299
Amazon Germany just couldn’t keep a secret. Microsoft’s just announced that a shiny new Xbox 360 Arcade replacement — with 4GB internal flash memory, a matte finish, and built-in 802.11n WiFi — will be shipping August 3rd for $199.99. A stark difference in capacity to the current 250GB model, but at least it’s cheaper. Looking ahead to November, the standalone Kinect, it’s coming for (yeah, you guessed it) $149.99 with Kinect Adventures. Act surprised, Microsoft would really like you to. As for the pièce de résistance — that’d be the 4GB console, Kinect sensor, and game — that’s due out “this holiday” for $299.99. Press release after the break, pretty pictures just below. Read the rest of this entry »
DECE’s ‘digital locker’ take-anywhere DRM dubbed UltraViolet, launches later this year
We’re still not sure if we believe in the promises made by the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE) yet — buy a piece of content once in physical or digital format, and gain access across all formats and devices via a cloud based account — but we’re closer to finding out for ourselves now that it has a new name, UltraViolet. In case you haven’t been paying attention over the last couple of years, the DECE group is already home to most of the biggest names on both the content and consumer electronics sides of the business, with the most notable holdouts being Apple and Disney, which is backing its own competing system, Keychest. The latest additions to the UltraViolet team are LG, LOVEFiLM and Marvell, while key members like Comcast, Microsoft, Intel and Best Buy are quoted in this morning’s press release. Check it out for yourself after the break and keep an eye out for that grey and purple logo on movies and players later this year when it begins testing. Read the rest of this entry »
Microsoft patent application cuts controller cords, sews them back together
Wireless gamepads are more convenient, but for latency, copper trumps 2.4GHz. What to do? Build hybrid controllers that can instantly cut the cord. It seems that’s what Microsoft’s thinking, as the company applied for a patent on just such a controller in March, using infrared, Bluetooth or RF technologies alongside a wired (possibly USB) connection and switch between the two “without permanent disruption to an ongoing game.” Of course, dual-mode controllers have been around for months in a slightly different form — Microsoft’s own Sidewinder X8 and the Razer Mamba did the same for the high-end gaming mouse. It also doesn’t bode well that this particular application clearly describes the original chunky Xbox. Read the rest of this entry »
Rock Band 3 crashing into living rooms on October 26
Look, it’s summer break. What better to do than learn a little piano in preparation for the upcoming release of Harmonix’s Rock Band 3? The next installment — which promises to bring all sorts of new kit to the market — was finally given a release date today, and not surprisingly, it’ll be quickly climbing the Santa Lists of rug-rats the world over. According to the company, the title will ship on October 26th in North America, with the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 versions priced at $59.99 sans hardware and the DS rendition at $29.99. Hop on past the break if you’re interested in learning about your wealth of pre-order options. Read the rest of this entry »
Exclusive interview with Joe Belfiore, corporate VP of Windows Phone
By now you’ve probably read our in-depth blowout of Windows Phone 7 (and if not, what are you waiting for?). But what you haven’t seen yet is our exclusive sit-down with Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore, wherein we talk about the ins and outs of the new mobile operating system. We grill the Windows Phone corporate VP about a whole stack of items, and do our very best to make him start crying like a Barbara Walters interview subject (spoiler alert, he doesn’t cry). Still, we think there’s some good insight here into what the company thinks of its odds in the smartphone wars, and what kinds of features we will (and won’t) see when these devices launch this fall. Take a look at the video after the break — you won’t regret it. Read the rest of this entry »
Confirmed: Verizon discontinues Kin
We guess this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone, but we have confirmation directly from Verizon this morning that it will no longer offer the Kin One or Two. It’s probably pretty difficult to justify continuing to offer and support a product when its maker has already thrown in the towel — never mind the fact that Big Red’s heart never seemed to be in it from the start — so this is more of a formality than anything else. We’re being told that existing owners won’t be impacted, meaning Microsoft will continue to operate the back-end services needed to keep retail Kins alive — but considering how few Kins seem to have been sold, we can’t imagine that’s a money-making proposition for anyone involved, so who knows how long that’ll go on? Read the rest of this entry »
Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 7 preview
Microsoft has lifted the lid on their highly-anticipated Windows Mobile 7 and have allowed a few people in the know to have a proper play and here is what they have had to say about the new mobile operating system, which will launch in October. Now the phone in question is a test model and will not … [visit site to read more]
Windows Phone 7 in-depth preview
It’s been a long road, hasn’t it? Well, in some respects, it hasn’t — in fact, it’s only been about two years since development of Windows Phone 7 as we know it today kicked off — but when you consider that this product will be replacing Windows Mobile 6.5, that put things in proper perspective. In fact, even the very latest maintenance releases of good ol’ WinMo are based on the same rickety underpinnings as version 5.0 was way back in 2005, at a time when WVGA smartphone displays were science fiction, 4G networks were a good two Gs beyond the average American’s comprehension, and Engadget looked like this. Nowadays, it’s a very different game; eight year-olds have access to mobile email, your phone understands German, and “Yelp” is a verb. Indeed, mobile devices are the new PCs — and companies like Apple and Google are dominating an industry that had once been practically handed to Microsoft on a silver platter. No one — either inside or outside of Redmond — is arguing that change isn’t desperately (and quickly) needed, because it simply isn’t enough to dominate the desktop anymore.
Verizon halting Kin sales, supply getting returned to sender?
Not that Verizon really cared much for it anyway, but according to WMExperts, the carrier is preparing to cease sales of the Microsoft’s Kin altogether. As for the fate of the remaining stock, it’s apparently being sent back to, well, somewhere. While a few retail stores we called disavowed any knowledge of such a thing, PhoneArena has a supposed internal screenshot that suggests they may soon change their tone. Either way, Verizon’s not selling Kin online anymore, that’s for sure — quoth the raven, 404. Read the rest of this entry »
Entelligence: Five gadgets that could have and should have done better
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he’ll explore where our industry is and where it’s going — on both micro and macro levels — with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.
Zune Pass for UK gets briefly teased, priced?
If the above picture is to be believed, it looks like Microsoft’s Zune Pass is gearing up to make its UK debut. An across-the-pond tipster via LiveSide apparently stumbled upon (and was able to successfully score the 14-day trial) a Subscription page with pricing tiers. In addition to the tryout period, there were also options for a £8.99 (about $13.74) one-month pass and £26.97 / $41.23 for three. Further details are just barely hinted at in the sidebar, but if it’s anything like the US progenitor, we’re looking at an all-you-can download music service and ten DRM-free MP3s each month, playable on Windows, Xbox 360 (soon), Zune devices (still not available outside US), and Windows Phone 7. We know Microsoft is planning to move its “challenging” music service into every country its phones will venture, but that little tidbit doesn’t absolve this image of scrutiny. Try as we might, our UK editors are unable to find this screen anywhere. According to the original tipster, even though he has access to the trial, he still can’t use it. We’ll keep digging and will let you know what we find.
Swype spotted swiftly slinging fingers across Windows 7 screens?
That’s not your grandpappy’s touchscreen panel, nor his standard Windows 7 input method of choice, oh no — unless our eyes deceive us, we’re looking at a 3M M2256PW ten-finger multitouch display, and on it, a genuine Swype keyboard. Though we’ve heard nothing about a partnership between Microsoft and Swype and we see nary a mention on the internet at large, there’s no denying the idea — spotted during last week’s Internet Explorer demo at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference — is an attractive one. The question is when and how Redmond might deliver such functionality to the existing OS… and if we might possibly see the same on the company’s upcoming phones as well. See it in action at the source link, and fast forward to 2:58:30 for the goods. Trust us and skip ahead — we’ve got a feeling you won’t want to hear Microsoft kick this party off.
Gaj-it Guide: The New Xbox Slim
Gaj-it took delivery of the new slim Xbox today, which was released to crowds across the country at mid-night launches last night.
Xbox 360 sales increase 88 percent in June, give it US console crown for the month
Proving once again that in this world it’s more important what you look like than what you do, the Xbox 360 has cruised to the title of best-selling console in June on the back of a sexy physical redesign. The latest numbers from NPD show that Microsoft shifted 451,700 units in the US, which ousts the Wii’s tally of 422,500 and comfortably dwarfs the PS3′s 304,800. Still, if Sony wants any consolation it need only look back to the results of its own console Slimmification last year — US sales were said to have tripled in the immediate aftermath of the new SKU’s release. So Microsoft might have a little bit of catching up to do yet, and let’s not forget that the king of all hardware sales remains the DS, which somehow managed to sell more than half a million devices in June, in spite of the whole world and its dog already owning one. Read the rest of this entry »
Xbox 360 getting dashboard revision this November?
iPhone 4 is Apple’s Vista says Microsoft exec
Microsoft’s COO, Kevin Turner, just couldn’t help himself and has poured salt in the wounds of Apple after he said that Apple’s new iPhone is like their poorly received Windows Vista.
Microsoft Providing Plenty of Incentives for Developers to Switch to Windows Phone 7
This actually isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Microsoft going out of their way to make sure that a current platform, or a platform they’re intending to launch, has all of their bases covered. Back in August of last year, we heard rumors that Microsoft was giving developers money to leave their current platforms of choice, and bring their products over to the Zune HD. Now, and over the last couple of weeks, we’ve heard rumors that Microsoft was doing the same thing for their upcoming Windows Phone 7. And apparently it’s all true.
iPhone 4 the New Vista of the Tech Market?
If you were to ask one individual, it would seem that that title is very, very true. Who would that individual be? That would be Microsoft’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Turner. He was speaking at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference today, and that’s exactly what he said regarding Apple’s new handset. Basically, despite the fact he may work for the company that he’s referencing, we can still all assume that he’s not saying the very kindest things about the iPhone 4.
Bing to bring full-featured client to Android ‘within next six weeks’
Microsoft’s Bing and Google’s Android aren’t exactly complete strangers (hello, Moto), but now the company is saying it’ll bring a full-featured client to the platform sometime within the next six weeks. Not much is known, but according to PC World (via Yahoo! News), it’ll at least include desktop-parity with features such as web, image, and news search (in addition to maps, of course). ¿Está tu Nexus One listo para los links? Read the rest of this entry »
Microsoft comes clean on doling out cash, free hardware to entice Windows Phone devs
Microsoft director Todd Brix has apparently revealed what’s been known from a series of non-denied rumors for a while now: they’re making it rain on mobile developers with good ideas. According to a BusinessWeek report, it seems they’re pursuing a number of angles to entice software shops to help build out Windows Phone 7′s launch catalog, ranging from offering free test hardware to simply paying cash, sometimes in the form of revenue guarantees that Microsoft will meet if apps don’t meet sales goals in the Marketplace. Of course, there’s not really anything wrong with Microsoft inorganically pursuing support for its ecosystem like this — they’ve certainly got the pocketbook for it, and considering their come-from-behind position, they ought to be using any tool available to ‘em right now to get this thing as ready as it can possibly be for app-hungry customers later this year. Read the rest of this entry »
CE-oh no he didn’t!: Microsoft’s Kevin Turner says iPhone 4 might be Apple’s Vista
While not technically a CEO, Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner is not immune to a certain amount of executive level foot-in-mouth. Speaking at Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference in DC and chatting up his company’s upcoming slate of Windows Phones, he couldn’t help a little iPhone bashing: “It looks like the iPhone 4 might be their Vista, and I’m okay with that.” Should we point out to Kevin that attempting to criticize your competition by comparing it to your own flagship products is usually counterproductive, or leave him to figure it out on his own during some early morning magnificent moustache contemplation session? Read the rest of this entry »
Immigration deports Alexey Karetnikov: Microsoft engineer, alleged Russian spy, loyal Facebook user
Google Maps Send-To-Car feature goes live on Ford SYNC systems
Avid OnStar users received this here functionality a fortnight ago, and BMW owners have been bragging about it for years. But it looks as if the world’s other automakers are finally coming around to one of life’s undeniable facts: Google Maps is top-notch, and in almost every instance, trumps whatever factory mapping system that any given consumer has overpaid for. Today, drivers of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the US enabled with Ford SYNC can send business listings or addresses found on GMaps directly to their cars (from a web browser, naturally). With the new additions, Google’s Send-To-Car feature is now active in 19 countries and across 20 brands, but we’re guessing that your brand isn’t one of them. Or maybe that’s just us moping and looking for company. Read the rest of this entry »
Xbox 360 4GB Arcade Bundle gets premature Amazon page
Microsoft’s plans for the Xbox 360 Arcade bundle have been tipped, thanks to a prematurely posted Amazon Germany listing. The product page seemingly confirms a 4GB bundle, together with a €148.99 ($190) price tag, though has since been updated to remove any mention of cost or release date. Still, thanks to VG247’s speedy fingers, we know the retailer expects the new bundle to ship on August 20th 2010.
New Xbox 360 Arcade unit revealed by Amazon Germany?
Looking for a new, slinky Xbox 360 but don’t have 250GB worth of stuff to archive on there? Sprechen Sie deutsch? Sehr gut! Amazon Germany has posted up what appears to be solid details about the cousin of the new Xbox 360 revealed at E3. Where that model has a 250GB HDD stuffed up inside, this one appears to have 4GB of some sort of flash memory and a price listed as €148.99 — about $190. It’s also listed as being a “bundle,” meaning it’s likely there’s a game, extra controller, or novelty hat included as well. And, the thing is said to be shipping on August 20, which just so happens to be when Gamescom 2010 takes over Cologne. Finally, Cologne just so happens to be in Germany. Another surprise unveiling and announcement of units shipping immediately? We wouldn’t bet against it — except for the “surprise” bit. Read the rest of this entry »
Windows 7 SP1 public beta now ready for download
Slightly ahead of schedule, Microsoft has dished out Service Pack numero uno for Windows 7. The hot-selling OS has been a revelation since its release and it’s therefore no surprise that this update pack does nothing remarkably new or important. It collates all of Microsoft’s patches since launch into a neat little (well, not really, it’s 1.2GB in size) package and throws in a few other hotfixes to boot. Microsoft treats its betas rather unceremoniously, however, so don’t expect any support with this thing until it goes final — which we’re hearing might not be until early 2011. We’d say that’s a long way out but it’s not like Windows 7 isn’t treating us well enough already. Hit the source to obtain the download, if you must.
The Daily Slash: July 13th 2010
Can you believe that it’s already (pretty much) the middle of July? It just feels like time’s flying by, doesn’t it? Guess that’s what happens when you’re having fun — and we have plenty of that around here. That’s why we’re happy you can join us. So, welcome to tonight’s edition of The Daily Slash. First up, in the Best of R3 Media, we’ve got 100,000 apps for the Android Market, and is an iPhone 4 recall coming soon? And then in the Dredge ‘Net, it looks like Stanford is going digital, we’ve got some big speakers, and it looks like Destination Arcade is just a limited run.
Microsoft Kinect Bundles Priced at Walmart: $200 with Game and $30 Gift Card
All that we’re missing at this point, is an official statement from Microsoft about how much their motion-based gaming peripheral is going to cost. Yeah, that’s right. We’ve got pricing from just about everyone else by this point, but Microsoft has still yet to “announce” anything. And that’s even after their very own Microsoft Store listed the Kinect at $149.99. And considering everywhere seems to be boasting the same price, we’d be pretty surprised if that wasn’t the final decision. But, if you are thinking about getting a bundle, Walmart’s already got you covered.
Microsoft Windows Phone to be Enhanced Through Connected Services
Perhaps unlike the KIN, Microsoft has a lot of faith in their reboot to the Windows Mobile Operating System lineage. They’re putting a lot of effort, on both the software side of things, as well as enforcing the hardware side of things, to make sure that the mobile OS they launch later this year is the best they believe it can be. And while relying on the Operating System itself for the majority of feature-driven aspects to attract customers is good in of itself, it’s also the extra features that’s going to draw in plenty of more folks to your platform. Andy Lees, Senior Vice President for Microsoft’s Mobile Communications Business, announced some of those extra features at the Worldwide Partner Conference in Washington, D.C.
