Microsoft confirms no new Xbox "anytime soon"
Xbox 360
/ MicrosoftXbox "720" rumors circulate, say hello to Blue-ray, Kinect 2
"While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at [the Electronic Entertainment Expo] or anytime soon," Microsoft's spokesperson Frank Shaw told AllThingsD. "For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360."
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Early look at Microsoft Windows 8 beta
(CNET) Microsoft pulled back much of the scaffolding and secrecy surrounding Windows 8 today at Mobile World Congress. I've been using the Windows 8 beta (download), officially known as the Windows 8 Consumer Preview, for the past week, and it's by far the most integrated and most capable operating system Microsoft has ever put out. The question is, will enough people care?
There's a phenomenal amount of change here to discuss, but if you're looking for a quick summary: Windows 8 is a breeze to use. It's tricked out with social networking and synchronization, it's robust enough to handle Photoshop, it gracefully moves from touch to keyboard and mouse, and it's got some top-notch security.
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OnLive Desktop brings Windows 7, Flash to iPads
CNET
The app lets iPad users launch Windows 7 cloud desktop, where the entire Microsoft Office suite can be accessed. Users also get 2 gigabytes of free cloud storage. For a $5 monthly fee, user will get accelerated browsing at the rate of an impressive 1 GB.
So what does this mean for iPad users?
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"Googlighting" video takes a hit at Google
(CBS) -Software giant Microsoft took a hit at Google Documents in a blatantly insulting video called "Googlighting."
The theme of the video is a spoof on 1980s hit television show "Moonlighting," starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd. While the tone is comedic and mocking, Microsoft's message is clear: Google Docs can't match Office Suite's reliability. You have to watch the video to see the insults fly. We wonder if Google will hit back?
Apple iPad getting Microsoft Office Suite? Sources say coming soon
Microsoft
(CBS) - Microsoft is weeks away from launching an iPad version of its popular Office Suite.
According to The Daily, a source close to the matter revealed that the app was in the works in Nov. and will launch in weeks. The release will include classic Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. There is no indication that Outlook Express will be included in the app package.
Full coverage of Microsoft at Tech Talk
If the sources are correct, the app will be able to read and create files on the iPad that will sync to the cloud. Microsoft's cloud storage service SkyDrive will likely be utilized to enable syncing.
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Microsoft redesigns Windows logo
Windows 8 logo compared with past Windows logos
/ Microsoft(CBS) - Microsoft announced a redesign of the Windows logo today in preparation for the pending release of the Windows 8 operating system.
"We realized an evolution of our logo would better reflect our Metro style design principles," Microsoft user experience director Sam Moreau said in a blog post today. The Metro design he's referring to is a complete reinvention of Windows to look more modern.
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The new tech rivalry: Facebook's Zuckerberg vs. Google's Page
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Larry Page, the next generation Steve Jobs and Bill Gates
/ Getty ImagesWith the Facebook IPO coming soon, the growing battle better Google and the social networking giant will escalate. ZDNet's Larry Dignan suggests that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google CEO Larry Page are destined to have a rivalry like two other tech titans--Apple's Steve Jobs and Microsoft's CEO Bill Gates.
It's like going from StarTrek to StarTrek Next Generation. The story lines are similar but the actors are different, time has moved forward and the technology is improved.
Dignan wrote:Google and Facebook are competing for your time and ultimately a better ad mousetrap. In this new world order, Page is more like Gates. He has a dominant position, enters multiple markets and may spread Google too thin. Facebook's Zuckerberg is focused, evangelistic about sharing and a bit of a tech messiah to some. Zuckerberg may be Jobsian over time.
One can only hope that the Zuckerberg-Page rivalry spurs as much competition, innovation and fireworks as the Jobs-Gates rivalry did over the past 35 years.
Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at All Things D
/ Dan FarberSee also:
Kinect built into Asus laptops, why you should care
Microsoft
The Daily reported seeing prototypes of Asus Windows 8 netbooks with built-in Kinect sensors. According to the site, "A source at Microsoft has confirmed that the devices are indeed official prototypes of laptops featuring a Kinect sensor."
Full coverage of Microsoft at Tech Talk
Why should you care? While it may seem awkward at first, think about being able to sit back and control your computer with the wave of a hand.
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Megaupload data could be wiped, what else is out there?
Amazon
Megaupload user data could be wiped out this week, but there are plenty of alternatives to fit a wide variety of needs.
Amazon Cloud Drive lets you upload and store up to 5GB of files for free. It's not much of a file-sharing service, however. There's no way to share files via public folder or link. But, if you absolutely need piece of mind that your files won't be deleted, Amazon is a solid choice.
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Xbox "720" rumors circulate, say hello to Blue-ray, Kinect 2
Microsoft
New reports from video game sites IGN and Kotaku say the next Xbox will add a Blu-ray player, Kinect 2 and a fall 2013 release date.
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Microsoft calls for same-sex marriage in Washington State
iStockphoto
Five other companies stand with Microsoft in backing Senate Bill 6239 and House Bill 2516 - Concur, Group Health, Nike, RealNetworks and Vulcan Inc.
Full coverage of Microsoft at Tech Talk
Microsoft wrote a short letter to Governor Chris Gregoire in support of both bills.
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Really? Microsoft CES keynote goes auto-tune, has Tweet choir
(CBS) - In honor of Microsoft's final keynote address at the International Consumer Electronics Show, the company created an auto-tune completion of past keynotes.
Yep, you read correctly. The video was filled with snippets of Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer delivering 15-years worth of keynote addresses. This is strange, right? The two men aren't exactly known for their hipness.
Full coverage of CES at Tech Talk
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Microsoft "avoid ghetto" patent sparks controversy
AFP/Getty Images
(CBS) - Controversy over a new Microsoft patent has people questioning whether or not the intention has racist undertones.
CNET reported that Microsoft has been granted a U.S. patent that will steer pedestrians away from areas that are high in crime.
"As a pedestrian travels, various difficulties can be encountered, such as traveling through an unsafe neighborhood or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures," Microsoft stated in their patent claims. "A route can be developed for a person taking into account factors that specifically affect a pedestrian. Moreover, the route can alter as a situation of a user changes; for instance, if a user wants to add a stop along a route."
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New Xbox 360 dashboard is still delayed
Microsoft
"FYI: The timing for Xbox 360 dashboard update has been slightly delayed. I'll have a status update later today," Larry Hryb of the Microsoft marketing team tweeted this morning.
Microsoft overhauls Xbox platform
Verizon FiOS brings live TV channels to Xbox 360
Continue » Microsoft bringing Kinect to PCs
Microsoft
Kinect will come to Windows in the form of its own special hardware that is optimized for PCs, Kinect for Windows general manager Craig Eisler said in a blog post Tuesday. The software development kit will also get an upgrade, from a simple shortening of the USB cable to changing the depth of Kinect's camera.
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