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<title>The Unofficial Microsoft Weblog</title>
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<copyright>Copyright 2008 Blogsmith, LLC. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright>
<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title>So long Microsoft blog.</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/07/11/so-long-microsoft-blog/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/07/11/so-long-microsoft-blog/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/07/11/so-long-microsoft-blog/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/07/logo.png" />I just wanted to let all of you know that this will be my last post on The Unofficial Microsoft Weblog. As of this morning, I have moved over to a tiny little blog you might have heard of called DownloadSquad. It is a new opportunity and a new challenge for me, so I hope you will join me over there, and continue reading if you aren't a huge fan of DownloadSquad already. You will get a better mix of everything over at Download Squad including Google, VoIP, Microsoft, and many other topics. They already have a huge following that is definitely well deserved. If you haven't yet, come check it out. You can even continue to get Microsoft-only feeds if you wish, there are instructions on <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2006/07/10/welcome-new-bloggers/">Download Squad</a> on how to do this. I will be bringing you a wider range of topics, not just Microsoft, so it should be a great ride. Thanks for everything, all the comments, thoughts, and opinions. It has been fun.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://downloadsquad.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/07/11/so-long-microsoft-blog/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/641585/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/07/11/so-long-microsoft-blog/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>download squad</category><category>DownloadSquad</category><category>farewell</category><category>goodbye</category><category>microsoft</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-07-11T10:07:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The skinny on big fat Vista Part 4</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-4/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-4/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-4/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/hiber.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" />The newly revamped "Hibernate" function works flawlessly, even on archaic hardware like mine. It saves everything, so you can completely turn off your PC, and later turn it back on to the same turn in your favorite game. Very cool. Also, the sleep feature works well too, and doesn't leave you hanging either! One of the most amazing things about Vista thus far for me is that my drivers would not install correctly for a few devices (although it recognized more devices than my XP install did right off the bat) until I went in through the update driver option. This allowed Vista to find my driver file and install everything the way it wanted to, which worked famously. Vista did crash on me completely a few times, but at this point, I am not sure whether this is Vista's or my aging hardware's fault. To tell you the truth, I can't wait to buy a brand new PC, just to hot-rod Vista in all it's muscle. I know it has many flaws, but I think once Microsoft puts on the finishing touches, there is enough there to really please fans and critics alike.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://microsoft.com/windowsvista>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-4/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/632605/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-4/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>microsoft</category><category>vista</category><category>windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-16T05:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The skinny on big fat Vista Part 3</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-3/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-3/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-3/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_3" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/pict.jpg" />A sigh of relief, a breath of fresh air, all because the wicked witch of MY is dead! Microsoft axed the whole stupid "my" routine in Vista, along with the verbose and dumbly named "Documents and Settings" folder. Thank (your favorite deity here)! It is now simply Documents, Computer, Pictures, Music, and the new Games folder. Another thing I like is that Vista places all these things into a C:\Users\username folder for better organization. This is the best way they have done it ever. Windows NT used to have these files under C:\winnt\profiles\username and XP had C:\Documents and Settings\username with all of the My pictures, My music, etc under the My Documents folder. Finally someone realized that Pictures and Music and Videos are NOT DOCUMENTS! Rock on!<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://microsoft.com/windowsvista>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-3/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/632603/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/16/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista-part-3/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>microsoft</category><category>vista</category><category>windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-16T01:57:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>The skinny on big fat Vista</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/15/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/15/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/15/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/picture001.jpg" />So, as I write this on my laptop PC currently running windows Vista, I am thinking back over the last week that I have had Vista installed. The big verdict for me is that Vista is pretty good at some things, a little annoying with the security warnings, a little clunky yet, and not perfect, but for a beta, it is good. I have an older machine running 512MB RAM, and a 1.6GHz AMD Athlon 2800 chip and a whopping 40GB hard drive. Vista does make pretty good use of my ancient hardware. I tried out the ReadyBoost feature, which allows you to plug in any flash based memory stick, thumb drive, etc to help improve the performance of Vista and thusly your computer. This works surprisingly well, and makes me want to run out and buy a 2GB flash drive, just to see what it will do with that. My PC is rated by Vista as a 1, so it isn't the greatest of performances, and I don't even have the 128MB video card needed to run Aero, but I still like Vista quite a bit. There are some significant improvements to XP, better organization, and lots of little things that make computing easier. I love the new live preview of any picture, making it easy to tell your photos apart even on the desktop, without looking at the filename. Built in support for Clear-Type fonts is cool, making everything look ethereally slick.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://microsoft.com/windowsvista>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/15/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/632599/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/15/the-skinny-on-big-fat-vista/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>microsoft</category><category>readyboost</category><category>vista</category><category>windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-15T22:33:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>MSN Spaces is the largest blogging service</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/msn-spaces-is-the-largest-blogging-service/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/msn-spaces-is-the-largest-blogging-service/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/msn-spaces-is-the-largest-blogging-service/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/msn/" rel="tag">MSN</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-live/" rel="tag">Windows Live</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/gadgets/" rel="tag">Gadgets</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/picture002.jpg" id="vimage_1" />With over 100 million unique visitors, MSN Spaces is the largest blogging service worldwide according to comScore Media Metrix. It is amazing how blogging has taken off. With popular sites like <a href="http://myspace.com">MySpace</a> and <a href="http://spaces.msn.com">MSN spaces</a>, it is safe to say that almost everyone is doing it. Who ever thought that someone's random inner wonderings would actually mean something to someone else, enough to post it on the Internet? Apparently, we all like the more human element in information publishing. Blogs such as <a href="http://postsecret.blogspot.com">post secret</a> draw people in by the droves, because somehow blogging reaches people in a sincere way, and sometimes a deep way. Personally I love blogging, and though I haven't set up my own blog on MSN spaces, I do like their format and options. So swing on by and see what is hoping over there. There is a new service scheduled to take the place of MSN spaces called of course, you guess it "Windows Live Spaces" later this year, and it will have more social networking, to no doubt compete with mySpace. You can read <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2006/may06/05-24SpacesLargestPR.mspx">Microsoft's full story here</a>.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://spaces.msn.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/msn-spaces-is-the-largest-blogging-service/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/625294/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/msn-spaces-is-the-largest-blogging-service/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>microsoft</category><category>msn spaces</category><category>MsnSpaces</category><category>windows live</category><category>WindowsLive</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-07T05:47:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Windows OneCare is now in retail stores</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/windows-onecare-is-now-in-retail-stores/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/windows-onecare-is-now-in-retail-stores/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/windows-onecare-is-now-in-retail-stores/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xp/" rel="tag">XP</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-live/" rel="tag">Windows Live</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/808f6d5a-f22d-4597-a31f-f22ed113cfe4.gif" />This is a really good product. Microsoft did their homework on this one. I had downloaded and tested this product and it really does help people keep their systems safe and up to date. The features include anti-virus, a decent firewall, anti-spyware, PC tune-up, back-up, restore, and even email, phone and chat tech support, yup, included in the same package at the same price. The <a href="http://onecare.live.com">OneCare suite is available online for download</a>, and also in most Best Buy stores and a bunch of other retailers as well. A quick Google search (sorry Microsoft) yielded that both <a href="http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=338983&amp;pfp=SEARCH">CompUSA</a> and <a href="http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=238334">MicroCenter</a> have OneCare available for around $50 for a year's subscription. OfficeMax and OfficeDepot did not seem to have it in their search at least, as of this writing.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://onecare.live.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/windows-onecare-is-now-in-retail-stores/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/625290/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/windows-onecare-is-now-in-retail-stores/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>microsoft</category><category>one care</category><category>OneCare</category><category>Windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-07T03:31:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Office 2007 may be just ducky.</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/office-2007-may-be-just-ducky/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/office-2007-may-be-just-ducky/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/office-2007-may-be-just-ducky/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/office-general/" rel="tag">Office - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/ducky.jpg" />Over at ZDnet, Marc Orchant writes about the "<a href="http://blogs.zdnet.com/Orchant/?p=121">Office UI retraining canard.</a>" The catchy title aside, Marc states that the new user interface for Office 2007, including the "ribbon" and the newly grouped sections will eventually win users over. Marc goes on to write that the new interface was designed with a non-existent learning curve in mind. Apparently most users will take to the new UI like a flock of (your favorite waterfowl here). I suppose he is right by saying that "the biggest pushback will come from the most knowledgeable users. They have developed habits that will require some adjustment with the new UI." I certainly fall in that category, and I think a lot of people do. All I want is the option to use the new format or that old one. Though I favor the old way (who doesn't) I am starting to see some advantages to the new UI. I may come around. Stay tuned.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Orchant/?p=121>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/office-2007-may-be-just-ducky/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624832/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/office-2007-may-be-just-ducky/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>2007 Microsoft Office system</category><category>2007MicrosoftOfficeSystem</category><category>ducky</category><category>GUI</category><category>microsoft</category><category>Office 2007</category><category>Office2007</category><category>ribbon</category><category>UI</category><category>windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-07T03:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>iPods foster stealing music, apparently.</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/ipods-foster-stealing-music-apparently/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/ipods-foster-stealing-music-apparently/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/ipods-foster-stealing-music-apparently/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/competition/" rel="tag">Competition</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/legal-issues/" rel="tag">Legal Issues</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/ipodpirate.jpg" />My first thought about Real Networks CEO Rob Glaser saying the half the music on iPod is stolen, is "you're just jealous." Honestly, as the link below suggests, many people HAVE downloaded "stolen" music, but many of them have a lot of their own music they have ripped for iPod play. Steve Ballmer allegedly echoed Glaser's sentiments by stating that "The most common format of music on an iPod is 'stolen'." May I remind both Rob and Steve that *IF* they had a decent iPod killer, there would also be "stolen" music on their players. It has nothing to do with the iPod. The problem really lies in the shift of a MAJOR music paradigm. It is mostly a matter of format. People generally rip their own albums because they want the ultra-mobility, style, and easy listening that the iPod offers. The fact that Apple has sold so many songs means that something is working. Just because the average is 25 songs to an iPod purchased legally, doesn't mean that many people still don't have an iPod, and simply buy songs for listening on their PC or Mac. This is another case of a CEO spouting off without doing his research or having the gusto to back up what he says, perhaps in the form of a REAL music store or a REAL mp3 playing device. Until then, I don't want to hear about it. Stolen music is a bigger problem than just iPod users. I thought everyone knew that by now.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/11/half_ipod_music_stolen_real_says/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/ipods-foster-stealing-music-apparently/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624831/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/07/ipods-foster-stealing-music-apparently/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>apple</category><category>ipod</category><category>microsoft</category><category>music</category><category>pirate</category><category>real</category><category>Rob glaser</category><category>RobGlaser</category><category>Steve Ballmer</category><category>SteveBallmer</category><category>stolen</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-07T01:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Microsoft do da ro-bot!</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-do-da-ro-bot/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-do-da-ro-bot/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-do-da-ro-bot/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/msn/" rel="tag">MSN</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-live/" rel="tag">Windows Live</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/dev-tools-general/" rel="tag">Dev Tools - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/B00061I4GA.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" id="vimage_1" alt="" />Microsoft is holding a contest to see who can develop the best new BOTs for the newly launched Windows Live Messenger Beta.&nbsp; BOTs are those little pieces of software that typically help users with things such as movie times, stock quotes, even price quotes and help with using IM. For any budding IM developers out there, you can find the three, yes three, software development kits (SDKs) from Microsoft available at the <span><a href="http://www.robotinvaders.com">www.robotinvaders.com</a> website. Entries will be accepted until September 15th, 2006. At stake is $40,000, bragging rights, and a mention in the new messenger application. I don't know the first thing about BOT-ing, so somebody clue me in, is it hard? In any case, go check out the website and get your grooviest robot dance on. Ready? Set? BOT!</span><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/article.jsp?article_id=73503&amp;cat_id=580>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-do-da-ro-bot/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624830/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-do-da-ro-bot/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>bots</category><category>microsoft</category><category>msn</category><category>windows live messenger</category><category>WindowsLiveMessenger</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T23:00:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Microsoft to bring life to PC games?</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-to-bring-life-to-pc-games/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-to-bring-life-to-pc-games/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-to-bring-life-to-pc-games/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xp/" rel="tag">XP</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xbox/" rel="tag">XBOX</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xbox-360/" rel="tag">XBOX 360</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/pc/" rel="tag">PC</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_2" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/halo2_3.jpg" />For a long time now, Microsoft hasn't been focusing on PC games, and even us PC gamers can't blame them. Going from zero to 360 in a few years, not bad at all. Now though, Microsoft is going to begin focusing on PC games again. Many think Microsoft will develop, or have developed a gaming platform for the PC that rivals the ease and simplicity of the XBOX brand. Hopefully this is true. A little birdie told me that Microsoft may even be planning to integrate XBOX and PC based gaming platforms via a service like the wildy popular LIVE. This would certainly give them the advantage over Nintendo and Sony, who don't have anything close to a viable PC link to them systems. In fact, most consoles far thus far kept PC gaming out of their respective portfolios, because PC's have been the enemy. Microsoft knows that there are millions of PC gamers who would love to gank their snoody console-based buddies and prove once and for all what PC gamers have known for ages: the PC is the best gaming platform ever. How can you beat a customizable 101-key controller or the ability to upgrade any part of your gaming system? You obviously can't do that with a console.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/14563973.htm>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-to-bring-life-to-pc-games/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624828/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-to-bring-life-to-pc-games/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>halo 2</category><category>Halo2</category><category>microsoft</category><category>PC games</category><category>PcGames</category><category>windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T21:26:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Why do people pirate software?</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/why-do-people-pirate-software/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/why-do-people-pirate-software/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/why-do-people-pirate-software/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xp/" rel="tag">XP</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/legal-issues/" rel="tag">Legal Issues</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" id="vimage_1" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/1413.jpg" />Cnet features Microsoft executive Michala Alexander talking about piracy and why people do it. Alexander states that, "it's just because people want what they can get for the cheapest price." While I understand this view and agree with the observation of human nature, I think the deeper issue is that software companies still cause a lot of piracy, because they haven't figured out what customers need. I know many people who bought a computer, then one day, inexplicably, their computer crashes. What do they do? They find the nearest guru, and ask for help. He gives them a copy of the operating system (that they didn't get when they bought the computer) to fix their computer. It may not be right, but is it fair to NOT give customers a copy of THEIR operating system THEY bought pre-installed? This is near-sighted and stingy of software companies. Most people in this situation would be fine if they could just get their computer back, yet no provision is made for them when the system crashes.&nbsp; I know this isn't all of the piracy going on, but this is the portion that I have witnessed. In this way, software companies are pirating their own software.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://news.com.com/Counting+the+cost+of+counterfeiting/2100-7348_3-6074831.html?tag=nefd.top>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/why-do-people-pirate-software/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624826/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/why-do-people-pirate-software/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>cnet</category><category>michala alexander</category><category>MichalaAlexander</category><category>microsoft</category><category>operating systems</category><category>OperatingSystems</category><category>pirate</category><category>software</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T19:32:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Microsoft does the cam-cam.</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-does-the-cam-cam/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-does-the-cam-cam/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-does-the-cam-cam/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xp/" rel="tag">XP</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/images.jpg" />Apple's iSight cameras now built into many products have been a big hit with mac users. Microsoft is taking a few clues and has come up with their own idea for a web cam as well. It is about time. I have often wished and wondered if this was an idea Microsoft sees the potential in, and apparently they do. The LifeCams should be available sometime this month, according to Mary Jo Foley of Microsoft Watch. No word yet on hardware integration of the product with things like laptops, but if the concept takes off it may end up in hardware in the near future. Video-conferencing would help many enterprises cut down on needless travel costs, as well as tighten the global community. It is a good idea, so Microsoft, bring it on!<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1961511,00.asp?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535">Microsoft-Watch.com</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1961511,00.asp?kc=MWRSS02129TX1K0000535>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-does-the-cam-cam/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624621/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-does-the-cam-cam/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>apple</category><category>isight</category><category>microsoft</category><category>webcam</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T17:02:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Pay-per-PC?</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/pay-per-pc/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/pay-per-pc/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/pay-per-pc/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/compute.jpg" />Microsoft is trying an interesting strategy in pay-as-you-go computer services. In Brazil, there was a trial that allowed PC "buyers" to use the PC with a pre-paid card, much like a phone-card or prepaid wireless. This way, the computer will go into a limited access mode until more time is purchased. After long enough though, the user would own the PC outright, having met the payment pre-determined by the manufacturer. The service is called FlexGo. Some think it will give would be pirates a chance at affordable legitimate access to a computer, in a rent-to-own type way. It could have some promise. I don't know how much piracy it will cut down on, because people would rather get something "free" than to pay for it, especially when there isn't a strong law enforcement presence to curb piracy. It could work, but it will have only limited success until the "path of least resistance" includes paying for a service instead of just scalping it somewhere.<br /><br />[Via <a href="http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060522-6881.html">Ars Technica</a>]<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060522-6881.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/pay-per-pc/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624620/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/pay-per-pc/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>brazil</category><category>microsoft</category><category>pay-per-pc</category><category>piracy</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T15:53:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Microsoft glues hackers</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-glues-hackers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-glues-hackers/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-glues-hackers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xbox/" rel="tag">XBOX</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/xbox-360/" rel="tag">XBOX 360</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/image3.php.jpg" />Microsoft is fixing a mod-chip vulnerability in the DVD firmware on the XBOX 360, making it nearly impossible for a mod-chip to be installed. I can just see the ad campaign now, "Epoxy for firmware chips, it is hacker-deterrent in a tube. Buy some today." Apparently, Microsoft just glued the edges of the chip under a layer of epoxy, that makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible to mod-chip the DVD firmware in the XBOX 360. While I am amazed at how non-complicated and innovative this idea is, and how seemingly effective it will be, I have to say that I doubt the modding is over. With such a hot product, this will only make more "hackers" more determined to crack it again. So you could say Microsoft 1, hackers 1, and we have more periods left to play folks. Bill, back to you.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.nordichardware.com/news,3872.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-glues-hackers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624615/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/microsoft-glues-hackers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>dvd firmware</category><category>DvdFirmware</category><category>epoxy</category><category>micrsosoft</category><category>modchip</category><category>XBOX 360</category><category>Xbox360</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T13:17:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Will Vista's beta pull it off?</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/will-vistas-beta-pull-it-off/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/will-vistas-beta-pull-it-off/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/will-vistas-beta-pull-it-off/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/vista/" rel="tag">Vista</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/games.PNG" alt="" />Many Microsoft fans, users, tech support people, individuals, and the like are still wondering about the viability of Vista and its many intricacies. Sidebar widgets, Flip 3D, gaming support, Halo 2, new parental controls, easier search and information access are some of the few things flying around lately. When the Customer Preview Program for Vista starts in the "next few weeks" according to Microsoft's GetReady website for Vista, a lot of these questions will be answered, at least partially. The Vista Beta will have much of the final edition, so it will serve to give people a decently accurate view of what they might expect come January, or February, or later next year. Many of the people I work with aren't even interested in Vista yet, or have even heard of it, which seems like the general consensus among users. I guess for now, the beta will benefit Microsoft by receiving feedback from technophiles, IT personnel, and general geeks like me. Early adopters let's say, will be the ones most critical and potentially helpful for Microsoft's production team to tweak and polish Vista. I must remark about how smart this is to pre-release Vista. This will ensure Microsoft gets a good mix of comments and feedback on the things that work and things that don't in Vista. It can also be a doubled-edged sword, since any vulnerabilities stand to be more easily exploited by malicious individuals before Vista's lid is completely locked down. It is a necessary risk to harden your operating system before that fateful launch day. Will Vista do the trick? What do you think?<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,2180,1965429,00.asp>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/will-vistas-beta-pull-it-off/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624612/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/will-vistas-beta-pull-it-off/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>microsoft</category><category>vista</category><category>vista microsoft</category><category>VistaMicrosoft</category><category>windows</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T09:22:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Gates to business: too much information</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/gates-to-business-too-much-information/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/gates-to-business-too-much-information/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/gates-to-business-too-much-information/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/paper-stack.jpg" />The problem of information overload at work is an obvious, and hideous one. Everyone knows about it, experiences it, yet no one knows what to do. Microsoft has some information products that do help with this issue, SharePoint being one, and through a partnership with SAP, the new Duet application. While these innovative ideas can help the enterprise, many have not seen the value in such systems. It seems that many companies don't know they have a problem, or perhaps how big it is. Every day at work, I hear someone who has an information problem. Efficiency is right out the window on every project. This is why I believe very much in information system that focus on collaboration and effective communication. Centralized business knowledge, numbers, matrices, and the like are critical to be a success. Hopefully those of you who have SharePoint, Duet, or other collaboration suites see a big difference, because if you can't control your information flow, you are no better than the competition. In fact, information in many cases is more critical than finance. Without new sales leads well executed (good information management) you won't have the dollars to worry about payroll. What is working for you?&nbsp;<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.internetnews.com/ent-news/article.php/3607056>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/gates-to-business-too-much-information/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624609/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/gates-to-business-too-much-information/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>business</category><category>drowning</category><category>information overload</category><category>InformationOverload</category><category>microsoft</category><category>too much information</category><category>TooMuchInformation</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T03:19:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>2007 file extensions</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/2007-file-extensions/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/2007-file-extensions/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/2007-file-extensions/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/office-general/" rel="tag">Office - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/33326_2.JPG" />So, has anyone out there noticed the new snappy Microsoft file extensions on the end of Office 2007 documents? Word went from .doc to .docx, Access from .mdb to .accdb, PowerPoint went from .ppt to pptx, and so on. I don't like that it is different, because it is well, in a word, different. Change is hard. I do like that it differentiates Microsoft's new XML-driven files from the older non-XML format. Oh, and I love how speedy stuff is. Office 2007 seems to load the screen faster than 2003 or 2000 did, which is nice. I wonder if these file extensions and the XML foundation will amount to great XHTML validation for converted docx? It would be nice, especially since the web has been a bigger focus for Microsoft in recent years. It is a little hard to get used to the 4-5 character file extensions, but they are MORE descriptive, which helps. Here again though, I don't think it cuts down on user confusion, but perhaps Microsoft thought it was a necessary move to ensure future non-confusion and compatibility. Other than that, the X on the end is just plain cool! Sorry, get out your Kodak, I think I just had a geek moment.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/default.mspx>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/2007-file-extensions/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/624606/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/06/2007-file-extensions/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>2007</category><category>microsoft</category><category>office</category><category>office 12</category><category>Office12</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-06T01:19:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>URGE has music videos</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/05/urge-has-music-videos/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/05/urge-has-music-videos/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/05/urge-has-music-videos/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/windows-general/" rel="tag">Windows - General</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/06/urge.jpg" />URGE is pretty cool. Microsoft did a good job with the initial release of the store and of Windows Media Player 11. It has a few problems, but most are very minor (a side from the no iPod support). URGE has a small icon next to track titles where an MTV or VH1 music video is available. There is usually a short video ad, the ones I saw were about 10 seconds long, then you can watch the music video. It even looks great scaled up to full screen for most monitors. I was impressed that the videos would do full screen. You have to double-click on the video to make it expand, just like a regular video in Windows Media Player.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://urge.com/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/05/urge-has-music-videos/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/621270/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/06/05/urge-has-music-videos/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>cideo</category><category>microsoft</category><category>music</category><category>URGE</category><category>Windows Media Player 11</category><category>WindowsMediaPlayer11</category><category>WMP 11</category><category>Wmp11</category><dc:creator>Ryan Carter</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-06-05T11:19:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Microsoft releases Mac-specific keyboard and mouse</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-keyboard-and-mouse/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-keyboard-and-mouse/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-keyboard-and-mouse/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/trends-and-buzz/" rel="tag">Trends and Buzz</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/competition/" rel="tag">Competition</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.downloadsquad.com/media/2006/05/microsoftmachardware.jpg" />It's not all that common that we're able to link to our sister site, <a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-wireless-laser-desktop/">TUAW, in reference to Microsoft news</a>. But today we can do just that. Microsoft has released a keyboard and mouse combination specifically for Macs, right down to the brushed silver / grey color, and lack of a Windows key. While I think most people can agree that Microsoft's current generation of PC hardware - specifically user input devices - is top-notch, it's still a little bit perplexing that Microsoft would go so far as to actually release Mac only hardware. Their keyboards and mice have long been compatible with Macs, and currently have markings for both Windows and OS X on new keyboards. To be clear, I'm not against the Mac-specific hardware, just a little confused as to the need for it. But, there you go.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.tuaw.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-wireless-laser-desktop/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-keyboard-and-mouse/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/623310/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/microsoft-releases-mac-specific-keyboard-and-mouse/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>mac keyboard</category><category>mac mouse</category><category>MacKeyboard</category><category>MacMouse</category><category>microsoft mac hardware</category><category>MicrosoftMacHardware</category><dc:creator>Jason Clarke</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-05-30T18:03:00+00:00</dc:date></item><item><title>Google Desktop Search to be bundled on Dells instead of Microsoft</title><link>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/google-desktop-search-to-be-bundled-on-dells-instead-of-microsof/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/google-desktop-search-to-be-bundled-on-dells-instead-of-microsof/</guid><comments>http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/google-desktop-search-to-be-bundled-on-dells-instead-of-microsof/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/news-and-info/" rel="tag">News and Info</a>, <a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/category/msn/" rel="tag">MSN</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" src="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/media/2006/05/dellgoog.jpg" alt="" />Engadget reported a few days ago on the fact that <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/25/google-outbids-microsoft-for-dell-bundling-deal-sez-wsj/">Google had outmanouvered Microsoft</a> with respect to ensuring that their Google Desktop software comes preinstalled on Dell hardware instead of Microsoft's desktop search product, MSN Toolbar.&nbsp; This deal also means that Google will be the default search engine on Dell machines, rather than defaulting to Microsoft's MSN Search page. The truth is that this is as it should be; Google really is the top of the heap in terms of online search engines, so it's good to see that Dell users will get that by default. It isn't clear to me, however, that Google Desktop or MSN Toolbar for that matter are particularly good choices to be installed for new users. Time will tell.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/25/google-outbids-microsoft-for-dell-bundling-deal-sez-wsj/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/google-desktop-search-to-be-bundled-on-dells-instead-of-microsof/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/forward/623196/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://microsoft.weblogsinc.com/2006/05/30/google-desktop-search-to-be-bundled-on-dells-instead-of-microsof/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br />]]></description><category>Dell</category><category>Google</category><category>google desktop</category><category>GoogleDesktop</category><category>Microsoft</category><category>msn search</category><category>MsnSearch</category><dc:creator>Jason Clarke</dc:creator><dc:date>2006-05-30T13:48:00+00:00</dc:date></item></channel></rss>