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Posts Tagged ‘Microsoft’
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Since the debut of the first Microsoft operating system it has always been the popular opinion that Apple and Microsoft are arch enemies. While both companies are in similar industries, Apple and Microsoft have been able to get along for the most part thanks to their very different business models. Apple is more concerned about carving out market niches and collecting huge dividends from said sectors while Microsoft is more interested in turning the entire computer world into a Microsoft controlled monopoly.
That being said, both companies have more rivalry between Google than between themselves and with the latest subtle partnerships between Cupertino and Redmond, it is not hard to see why seeing that Google has morphed from that cool kid who everybody got along with to the son of the neighborhood association’s president who everyone has a problem with.
So it should be no surprise that Microsoft has been working on Mac OS X software for years and has just released the Windows Phone 7 Connector v1.1 in the Apple Mac Store. As you might recall, the Mac App Store was released earlier this year after being speculated about for quite some time now.
Thanks to the Windows Phone 7 Connector, those Apple users who are interested in syncing their Windows Phone 7 devices on their Mac’s will be able to do so and the app carries a slew of features including the ability to synch DRM-free media to said devices. Users can update the software of their Windows Phone 7 devices as well as synch with multiple Mac computers. Support for Apple’s Lossless audio is included in this release as well as the ability to automatically launch the app when a Windows Phone 7 device is connected. Last but not least, anyone looking to run this freebie will need Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system. Now if only we could get Zune Pass on this thing.
Source: Mac App Store
Tags: Apple, Mac-App-Store, Microsoft, Windows-Phone-7-connector
Posted in Apple Phones, Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 5th, 2011
Just like Google, BlackBerry, HP (webOS) and Apple have made it clear that they will (and have) pulled apps from their marketplace if they violate their policies, Microsoft has communicated their point to developers as well. However, the Windows Phone Marketplace is well over 6 months old and until now there had not been a peep of an app being rejected until last week.
You might remember that Microsoft is boasting well over 10,000 apps in their application store as well as 30,000+ developers. With those numbers it is to be expected that every once in a while an app will fall through the cracks. Well that so happens to be a certain app named Imagewind. The application, as some have styled it, is a “great app to kill some time.” Basically the app pulls random images from Twitter and displays them on the user’s phone. For those not familiar with Twitter, unlike many other social networks who hosts images for their users, Twitter only hosts background and profile pics leaving the rest of the image hosting to other sites such as TwitPic. Many of these sites do not have stringent policies on nudity and other forms of offensive content. Imagewind’s app pulls from many of these sites and this “violates” Microsoft’s TOS.
Many could argue that a browser does the same thing but is beside the point. Microsoft originally gave the creator some time to remedy the problem but has since pulled the app from its store. According to Roger, he is working on a fix for the app which would filter out such content.
Source: Smarty Pants Coding
Tags: Imagewind, Microsoft, Windows-Phone-7
Posted in Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
With Apple’s marketing, it could be believed by many consumers that the iPad was the first tablet. Far from it however as there were Android tablets way before the iPad (namely from ARCHOS) and before that, tablets have been living in the industrial and corporate world for well over a decade. What Apple does get credit for is bringing the first tablet to the market that had a major consumer appeal.
In the wake of Android Honeycomb 3.0 and Apple’s iOS 4.3 and the iPad, Microsoft, the only other major player in the mobile operating system department (now that Symbian is breathing it’s last breaths) has been taking it’s time with bringing a tablet to the market that can rival the iPad. Yes there have been Microsoft Windows 7 tablets before, but none of them quite lived up to expectation performance wise (hello HP Slate).
That changes with the Eee Slate from ASUS. This is a fully fledged tablet with the power of a notebook (not netbook). After seeing the specs such as 4GB of DDR# RAM, Intel Core i5 processor and a host of connectivity options, it is clear to see that this tablet is anything but ordinary in terms of power.
With their latest commercials, Microsoft and ASUS are taking real customer stories to show how the tablet is useful. One of the biggest things both companies are playing on here is the device is not limited to an app store or the web. Almost any program that can run on a regular desktop can run on the ASUS Eee Slate with no performance decline. Those are big statements, but after seeing demos of Photoshop and other graphically intense programs on the tablet, we are inclined to believe Microsoft and ASUS. Check out all four commercials below and tell us what you think.
Source: Engadget
Tags: Asus-Eee-Slate, Microsoft
Posted in Asus Phones, Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
Monday, December 20th, 2010
 It seems that the Windows Phone 7 update will not be arriving as early as we thought –that and there is a possibility that smaller updates might be released along the way. According to the latest reports, the WP7 Mango update (yes, Microsoft is calling it the Mango), will be released sometime during summer of 2011. This tags the release date of the patch to be sometime around August to September.
Originally, it was believed that the first major update of the Windows Phone 7 mobile platform will be out by the first quarter of 2011; however it seems that there are certain add-ons that are proving to be so massive that it will take a while before the update gets released. At this point, many are calling the Mango as “7.5” and from the initial reports, it appears that HTML5 support, and more Silverlight will be added in the update. There are also rumors that the Windows Phone 8 mobile platform will be released by 2012.
Google’s new Android version has finally gotten a designation, and we are not talking about the recently launched Gingerbread operating system. Indeed, the search engine giant is churning out one massive Android update after the other, starting with the Éclair at the end of last year, to the flash capable Froyo that came out mid-year and just a couple of days back, the 2.3 Gingerbread. Google has not made it a secret that the next OS to follow the big G is the Honeycomb, but no designation has been confirmed.
It appears that the Honeycomb might be taking on the 2.4 designation, though there are questions as to whether the update is really not that far from the 2 series. It has been confirmed that the Honeycomb is designed specifically for touch screen tablet devices –which the original Android is not all that good for (or so Google says).
Tags: Android-2.4-Honeycomb, Google, Microsoft, Windows-Phone-7
Posted in Android Mobile Phones, Google Phones, Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
A recently reported news bit about Windows Phone 7 has revealed a major flaw in the mobile platform: it cannot swap micro SD cards. And this is where you get some pause to let that sink in.
For those who cannot appreciate the gravity of the issue, here’s the basic lowdown: the micro SD card is basically removable storage for any mobile device. You can transfer and store files in card and basically allow you to switch between multiple handsets or multiple cards (depending on how you prefer).
Switching between phones is understandable, if you have an Android and a BlackBerry, being able to carry around a single media library means that you can still watch that next episode stored on the card, regardless of which phone you use. In that same regard, being able to carry multiple cards means that you can delegate space better –like having one card store all music and another for videos.
In any case, the ability to switch and swap micro SD cards is longer a feature of convenience, but something that is expected from smart phones. But this is not possible with the Windows Phone 7 operating system. Apparently, the OS tends to stick to the initial card you use, with the data supposedly written in a completely new format (ironic, since this is a Microsoft OS). And worst of all, only certain SD cards work well with the OS (which seems to have a high transfer rate speed requirement).
In other news, it seems that T-Mobile and Orange UK are looking into making the iPad more accessible to buyers. The team that brought us Everything Everywhere has hinted that the Apple iPad price tag might drop down as far as 200 Pounds –depending on the 3G contract. For those who feel that the almost 500 Pound cost of the touch screen tablet is too much, this is a perfect opportunity.
Tags: Apple-iPad, microSD, Microsoft, Orange, T-Mobile, Windows-Phone-7
Posted in Apple Phones, Microsoft Phones, Orange Phones, TMobile Phones | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 26th, 2010
 It takes a lot to say that something has been re-invented, after all, breaking past the borders of upgrades and innovations to totally bring something new as a whole is not something that is aspired for as a goal –but it something that is simply achieved through the process of making things better.
Of course, the base argument here was that Microsoft had plenty to make better. The developer of the ever famous Windows desktop OS is also responsible for Windows Mobile, which is definitely one of the most horrid mobile platforms ever made. It was certainly fit for the job of handling office work (which was what it was designed for in the first place), but the design concept was so rigid, the UI was so badly designed, that when smart phones started becoming more commonly used by the general market, the WinMo OS did not make a successful transition.
In contrast, the BlackBerry OS (which was also beating the WinMo in business sales) made an easy transition. Something was definitely wrong with Microsoft’s formula.
Steve Ballmer’s plan to change everything and bring in the Windows Phone 7 operating system into reality is the perfect plan for Microsoft, and he pulled it off. The new OS is sleek, easy to use and is by far, the most dynamic mobile platform we have ever seen.
User interface animations aside, the lined functions and easy access commands brings a whole new level of diversity to the phone’s user experience –something that no other platform has been able to deliver.
Checking out the HTC HD7 (the WP7 sequel to the HD2), we can easily see what makes the new OS work so well –consistency. Despite the artsy approach to the user interface, the fact that all the commands and functions are delivered in a single method (with varying visual differences), makes the UI consistent, understandable and easy on the eyes. We can certainly expect to see more great things from Microsoft’s WP7.
Tags: HTC-HD7, Microsoft, Steve-Ballmer, Windows-Phone-7
Posted in HTC Phones, Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010
When Windows Phone 7 was initially introduced, the user interface alone was enough to surprise and delight a great majority of us in the mobile phone industry. Steve Ballmer and his team managed to do what was originally deemed impossible; to turn the unnaturally cold and indifferent Windows Mobile platform into something that the general user can relate to.
Of course, this meant that Steve and company had to go back to the drawing boards and redo everything from scratch, but that is the kind of dedication that has brought to us the new Windows Phone 7 mobile platform. As much as an improvement that Windows 7 was over Vista, the WP7 platform is definitely the one OS that shows to us that Microsoft still has their game when it comes to developing.
The dynamic user alone is impressive to look at, but the functions that are integrated are certainly something more. According to Steve Ballmer, the new OS is “thoroughly modern”, and as he showcased on connectivity feature after another, we all understood what the man meant by modern –being in touch.
The contacts tab is the major springboard of events, maps and other iconic details in the new OS. And all other functions keep jumping back to it to. Even selecting a game on the Xbox Live Games center gives users an option to invite their friends to the game.
Indeed, the OS has gone from business to very personal in a big way, and judging from the looks of things, there is much, much more to come.
Longtime Apple supporter Stephen Fry was a surprise guest at the WP7 launch and despite his own allegiance to the Cupertino based rival, he also expressed his delight with the new Microsoft platform. Microsoft has given Fry a chance to try out the new OS for quite some time and earning his approval –showcasing how personal the new OS has truly become.
Tags: Microsoft, Stephen-Fry, Steve-Ballmer, Windows-Phone-7
Posted in Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
Monday, October 11th, 2010
 It has been quite a week for the mobile phone industry and if you have been living under a rock, here is a quick information sheet on the things that has been happening.
Mobile phone makers Samsung and Sony Ericsson have confirmed that they will no longer make Symbian handsets. Samsung’s success with the Bada operating system, the Galaxy Android line and their focus on the upcoming Windows Phone 7 OS will certainly keep the company busy. Sony Ericsson on the other hand seems to be relying heavily on the Android operating system instead (though it has been announced that they will also be making a WP7 handset).
Speaking of the Finnish phone maker, Anssi Vanjoki is leaving Nokia. The former Vice President will be entrusting everything to the newly appointed CEO, Stephen Elop.
Moving on, Amazon is setting its goal on the app market with the upcoming Amazon Android App store. An initial look at the developer’s agreement shows that Amazon can be pretty strict about the rules.
Research analysts at ComScore state that despite the large number of smart phones in the UK, the number of people who are able to access the internet as well as mobile phones is quite low. With the Digital Economy Bill underway, it is likely that this statistic will soon change.
Canada based phone maker Research in Motion has announced that the BlackBerry Storm 3 will no longer be released. The device was originally meant to head straight to Vodafone UK but has been cancelled for unspecified reasons.
Lastly, it was recently reported that Microsoft and Adobe have been in touch, which means that the upcoming Windows Phone 7 might have support for Flash. It was originally announced that WP7 would indeed have Flash player capabilities, but it will be added to the OS through an update as opposed to being available straight from the box.
Tags: Adobe-Flash, Microsoft, Nokia, samsung, Sony-Ericsson, Symbian
Posted in Blackberry Phones, Nokia Phones, Samsung Phones, Sony Ericsson Phones | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
 It seems that the mobile phone industry cannot go for a long period of time before the next major issue regarding a patent infringement lawsuit pops out. Not that there has been any significant progress in any of the previous cases.
Anyway, the interesting bit about the new lawsuit is the fact that Apple is not involved in the case. This time, Microsoft is suing Motorola regarding the alleged use of MS owned technology in some of Motorola’s Android devices. Considering that Microsoft’s biggest contender in the industry is the Google Android OS, this is going to be an important lawsuit. And a win for Microsoft could spell certain trouble for the Android OS
Moving on to other news; Steve Ballmer was at the London school of Economics when he gave a few comments about current trends in technology. He clarified Microsoft’s stand regarding tablet devices (and unofficially promised that Microsoft will be offering a new tablet this December).
What was more important is that Steve discussed in detail what he sees in location based apps. In many ways, the feature is an important aspect of mobile phone technology that is not yet fully explored. For now, apps such as Facebook Places and Foursquare provide users with rudimentary content and what he calls “small innovations”. However, Steve also stressed the fact that: “small innovations can have a big impact if they change the way we think about the world.”
He also feels strongly about the use of cloud technology. With plenty of people now starting to see the value of cloud storage and even cloud processing, smaller is definitely better. All the hardware based performance aspects as getting limited to what cloud servers have to offer, and more often than not, that is already plenty to work with.
Of course, Ballmer also states that it is not all about the cloud, the world also needs better smart phones for accessing all those online resources.
Tags: google-android, Microsoft, Motorola, Steve-Ballmer, tablets
Posted in Microsoft Phones, Motorola Phones | No Comments »
Monday, September 6th, 2010
 October marks the announced launch date for the Windows Phone 7 operating system and judging from Microsoft’s recent announcements, it is unlikely for any delays or issues to push this date back at all. With the new platform heading our way, now is a great time to take a good long look at what the new platform promises to deliver and whether it would really be good to invest in this brand new operating system.
First off: WP7 offers connectivity. Sure, the older Windows Mobile platform also came out in 3G devices, and users had access to instant messaging, email and social networking. But with the new Windows Phone 7, these three features are key capabilities that are integrated throughout the entire system.
Checking a contact’s information naturally gives access to all the communication commands, but this set of commands also appears in other parts of the device that have relevance to any specific contacts –be it address information on the map view or the image tags.
Gaming will also be a big new factor for the Windows Phone 7 and it will also be helping people get connected more. The Xbox Live Games Service is basically a gaming and social hub all rolled into one.
Fancy a quick round of gaming with your friends? The task is as easy to organize –the system allows you to easily pull up a list of all active and online contacts to invite to your game. Game developers will also have more resources to use with the introduction of the XNA graphics engine.
Multimedia has become a new major focus for the operating system as well. Media content is now being accessed with Zune, online videos with the new MSN player and the entire system will also be making use of Microsoft’s Silverlight as well.
Tags: Microsoft, Windows-Phone-7
Posted in Microsoft Phones | No Comments »
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