Tech Talk
Sep 18, 1:45PM
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German watchdog warns of Internet Explorer breach

Microsoft
(AP) The German government agency overseeing IT safety is warning of a security breach in Microsoft's Internet Explorer and recommending people use other browsers until the problem is fixed.

The browser's "weak point is already being used for targeted attacks," the Federal Office for Information Security warned, adding that the code behind the attack is freely available online and might therefore spread rapidly.

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Sep 17, 1:03PM
By Chenda Ngak / Add Comment

Microsoft to launch Windows 8 on Oct. 26

Microsoft
(CBS News) Microsoft sent out a "save the date" to the press on Monday for an event planned for Oct. 25 in New York City. The new Windows 8 operating system is said to be made available on Oct. 26.

"You're invited to celebrate Windows 8," in the invite reads.

Microsoft previewed a version of Windows 8 at the BUILD conference in September 2011.

Featuring a more tablet-friendly design, Windows 8 is a complete departure from previous versions. Icons are now large tiles. There is full touch screen support and a multi-touch on-screen keyboard.

Windows 8 will come in four versions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 RT and Windows 8 Enterprise. Windows 7 had six versions.

Windows 8 and Window 8 Pro are for x86-64 computers and tablets, running on AMD64 or Intel 64 chips. Features of the new operating system include mail and calendar apps, Internet Explorer 10 and the option to switch between touch screen, keyboard or mouse.

Windows RT is for computers and tablets running on the ARM processor. This is a brand new addition to the Windows family, so no upgrade is available and you can't purchase the software separately. Windows RT is expected to only be available pre-installed on computers and tablets.

Windows Enterprise is the final edition of the new operating system. This version of Windows is expected to have all features of Windows 8, but integrates features for IT organization.

Sep 6, 5:29PM
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Amazon joins Apple, Microsoft in jockeying for tech edge

Amazon
(CBS/AP) Amazon announced four new Kindle Fire models on Thursday, a day after Nokia and Motorola unveiled five new smartphones between them. These announcements are coming before attention turns to a new iPhone from Apple next Wednesday.

Amazon announces Kindle Fire HD, new Kindle Fire, Kindle Paperwhite e-reader
Pictures: Amazon unveils new Kindle family

Makers of consumer electronics are refreshing their products for the holiday shopping season. Apple's rivals are hoping that a head start on the buzz will translate into stronger sales.

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Sep 5, 9:14AM
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Nokia, Motorola to unveil new gadgets at NY events

CBS

(AP) Nokia and Motorola are set to show off new devices at separate events in New York on Wednesday.

The announcements will come just before Apple is expected to unveil a new iPhone. Apple Inc. has an event next week in San Francisco.

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Sep 4, 2:26PM
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Apple, Microsoft, Amazon jockey for edge in holiday lineups

CBS
(AP) Think of it as the opening act at a concert: Nokia, Motorola and Amazon are expected to unveil new mobile devices this week before attention turns to a new iPhone and possibly a smaller iPad from Apple.

Apple announces Sept. 12 event, hints at iPhone 5 Microsoft Surface Windows tablet coming Oct. 26 for $199
Amazon Kindle Fire to skip Google Maps in favor of Nokia Navigation

Makers of consumer electronics are refreshing their products for the holiday shopping season. Apple's rivals are hoping that a head start on the buzz will translate into stronger sales. Nokia and Microsoft, in particular, are trying to generate interest in a new Windows operating system out next month.

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Aug 30, 2:30PM
By Charles Cooper / Add Comment

Apple and Microsoft on collision course, again

CNET
(CNET) Two decades and four U.S. presidents ago, Apple vs. Microsoft was worth watching. Since then it's been a snooze.

That's about to change.

This fall consumers will be able to choose from the widest-yet assortment of smartphone and tablet devices because Microsoft, a company that has been an also-ran in mobile computing for too long, has picked itself off the mat.

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Aug 15, 12:10PM
By Chenda Ngak / Add Comment

Microsoft: New SkyDrive, Outlook.com at 10M

A screenshot of the newly re-designed Microsoft SkyDrive.

/ Microsoft/Chenda Ngak
(CBS News) Microsoft launched a re-design of its cloud storage service SkyDrive Wednesday and announced some impressive membership numbers for its new email site Outlook.com.

Microsoft launches Outlook.com to rival Gmail
Microsoft's Outlook.com scores 1 million users
Full coverage of Microsoft at Tech Talk

SkyDrive got a facelift to match Microsoft's current design aesthetics and integrate better with the newly launched Outlook.com. The new design feels more tablet-friendly, with a touch-screen user interface in mind.

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Aug 15, 10:42AM
By Chenda Ngak / 3 comments

Report: Microsoft Surface tablet coming Oct. 26

The Surface's Touch Cover keyboard comes in five colors: red, blue, black, pink and white.

/ Microsoft

Microsoft may be launching its Surface Windows RT tablet in the coming months, according to a recent report by the blog Engadget.

Microsoft announces Surface tablet computer with Windows 8
Microsoft's Surface tablet aims for productivity
Full coverage of Microsoft at Tech Talk

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Aug 10, 3:17PM
By Chenda Ngak / 12 comments

What is cloud computing?

Cloud computing makes it possible to access photos, videos or documents from any computer with an Internet connection.

/ iStockphoto
(CBS News) Cloud computing has been in the news a lot in recent weeks - starting from the launch of Apple's OS X Mountain Lion, which heavily integrates with iCloud, to the alleged hacking of a technology journalist's online accounts.

Apple WWDC 2012: OS X Mountain Lion, iCloud, iOS 6 updates
Setting up Apple's iOS 5 and iCloud on the iPhone

Most people use a form of cloud computing everyday, but the term has yet to become engrained in the mainstream lexicon.

So what the heck is cloud computing?

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Aug 9, 3:16PM
By Don Reisinger / 1 Comment

Microsoft job posting hints at next Xbox launch

Microsoft
(CNET) Microsoft might be launching the next Xbox within the next year and a half.

The software giant last night posted a job listing on its Web site seeking a marketing professional. In that posting - which now appears to be taken down - the company said that "over the next 18 months, Microsoft will release new versions of all of our most significant products including Windows (Client, Server, Phone and Azure), Office and Xbox, along with completely new offerings like Microsoft Surface."

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Aug 9, 9:40AM
By Elinor Mills / Add Comment

Microsoft, NYC to monitor crime data in real-time

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announces the Domain Awareness System, which was developed with Microsoft.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announces the Domain Awareness System, which was developed with Microsoft.

/ NYPD

(CNET) Microsoft and the New York Police Department have jointly developed a data aggregation and analysis system that allows officers to tap into live video camera feeds, 911 calls, mapped crime statistics and license plate readers to fight crime.

Based on Microsoft technologies, the Domain Awareness System will be available to law enforcement and intelligence agencies around the world, with the city of New York receiving 30 percent of the revenues, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced Wednesday.

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Aug 1, 10:25AM
By Chenda Ngak / 1 Comment

Microsoft's Outlook.com scores 1 million users

Outlook.com inbox

/ Microsoft
(CBS News) Microsoft's new email service, Outlook.com, has been hailed a success. The site garnered 1 million users in about six hours, according to a tweet the company sent out on Twitter.

Microsoft launches Outlook.com to rival Gmail
CNET: Microsoft Outlook.com hands-on

"One million people have signed up for a new, modern email experience at Outlook.com. Thanks!" @Outlook tweeted.

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Jul 31, 3:57PM
By Chenda Ngak / Add Comment

Microsoft launches Outlook.com to rival Gmail

Skype video chat in Outlook.com inbox.

/ Microsoft
(CBS News) Microsoft announced the launch of Outlook.com, a new online email service, on Tuesday.

CNET: Microsoft Outlook.com hands-on

The email service features a clean design, integration with Word, Excel and PowerPoint, a new photo viewer, Skype calls inside the inbox and the ability to pull contacts from Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Jul 27, 4:17PM
By Dara Kerr / 4 comments

Skype denies helping feds spy on users

Skype
(CNET) Skype has come under fire this past week for allegedly letting the U.S. government use its service to spy on its users. The online call service company is now saying that's simply not true.

"Some media stories recently have suggested Skype may be acting improperly or based on ulterior motives against our users' interests," Skype Chief Development and Operations Officer Mark Gillett wrote in a blog post today. "Nothing could be more contrary to the Skype philosophy."

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Jul 16, 4:48PM
By Chenda Ngak / 12 comments

Microsoft Office 2013 may not support Windows XP

Microsoft

(CBS News) Microsoft unveiled a preview of its popular Office suite Wednesday at a press event in San Francisco.

CNET: Hands-on with the New Microsoft Office

Among the new features is touch-screen support to better integrate with the new Windows 8, a stylus content creating feature called Inking, cloud integration via SkyDrive and professional social network Yammer.

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