The Inquisitr » windows 7

HP Mini 110 Arrives At AT&T, Gets Subsidized, Offers Same Specs As Verizon Model

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:57:51 +0000

Verizon Wireless is October added the HP Mini 110 netbook to their lineup of offered devices and proceeded to subsidize the device to any data seeking users who came their way. Now AT&T is following suit, offering the same exact Netbook with built in AT&T 3G data connectivity, opposed to Verizon EV-DO service.

The netbook arrives on November 22nd for a price of $199 after a mail-in-rebate, 2 year contract and minimum monthly data plans.

The Mini 110 features Windows 7, a 10.1 inch LED backlit display with anti-glare and 1GB RAM, plus the already mentioned 3G service and a 160GB hard drive. Everything is pretty standardk netboo fare right down to the Intel Atom processor.

You’ll need to sign up for at least an AT&T DataConnect plan which provides 200MB of data per month for $35 or you can grab their $60 plan that provides 5GB monthly transfer rates.

Then again you could just go drop $300 on a decent netbook with the same or even better pricing and specs over Black Friday and not have to worry about shoddy 3G service you’ll experience in many 3G areas or for that matter a 2 year contract.

Early Windows 7 Sales Eclipes Vista By 234%

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:44 +0000

The NPD Group have released early numbers for Windows 7 sales and they show that the new operating system is performing over two times better than the companies last OS, Windows Vista. Those numbers according to the firm include deep pre-order discounting, a strong marketing campaign and overall better reviews of the product.

While sales are up 234% those deep discounts used to secure pre-orders also cut into the companies earnings potention, allowing for an 82% increase in profits compared to Vista, still a nice chunk of change, but hardly comparative to the over two fold increase in sales.

According to Electronista:

Pre-order discounts dropped the average selling price of a Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade from its official $120 price down to $76. Windows 7 Professional’s average asking price dropped from $200 to $147, while only the Home Premium Family Pack was left virtually unchanged at $149.

Profit margins were also hurt by a distinct lack of new features found in Windows 7 Ultimate, a fact that made many power users gravitate towards cheaper version of the OS compared to those who purchased Vista Ultimate editions of the companies software which came with higher profit margins.

As more netbook manufacturers begin to switch over to the faster and lightweight OS and more PC sales contain the Windows 7 OS sales should continue to pick up with more manufacturers adapting the new operating system.

In any respect it’s a huge win for Microsoft, good job on finally getting it right guy.

Acer Aspire 8940 Gets 18.4 Full HD Inch Display, Core i7 Processor, Windows 7

James Allen Johnson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:24:35 +0000

If you want to go big this holiday season with a new laptop for a loved one, there’s no better way to say I love you “in geek love” than the Acer Apsire 8940. This Apsire features an LED backlit 18.4 inch display with Full HD output, an Intel Core i7 720QM processor and Windows 7.

The 8940 also comes equipped with a standard 4GB of 1066-DDR3 memory, 500GB HDD and a 1GB Nvidida GeForce GTS 250M graphics card that should satiate many gamers needs.

The 8940 configuration also comes with Blu-Ray (standard), Acer’s touch capacitive media control interface and a surround sound system with 5 built-in speakers, all for a starting price of $1350.

The system is due before Christmas and can be fully customized by users.

Here’s a full standard spec list provided by Gizmodo:

Acer Aspire AS8940G-6865
• Intel® Core(TM) i7 Processor 720QM (1.60GHz, 6MB L3 Cache, 1333MHz FSB)
• 18.4″ Full HD Widescreen CineCrystal(TM) LED-backlit Display
(1920×1080 Resolution, 16:9 Aspect Ratio)
• 4GB DDR3 Dual-Channel 1066MHz Memory
• NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 250M with 1GB dedicated DDR3 VRAM
• 500GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive (1)
• 4X Blu-ray Disc(TM)/DVD SuperMulti Double-Layer Drive
• Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader
• Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 802.11a//bg/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED®
• Acer Crystal Eye(TM) Integrated Webcam
• Touch-Capacitive Media Control Interface
• 5 USB 2.0 Ports, 1 HDMI Port, 1 eSATA Port
• 8-cell Li-Ion Battery (4800mAh)
• Dolby Home Theater® Audio Enhancement
• Acer CineSurround Sound System (5 built-in speakers)
• Windows® 7 Home
• MSRP $1,349.99

Apple ad bombing Windows 7 on Google

Steven Hodson — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:18:37 +0000

If there is one thing you can say for the Apple marketing department it is that they love nothing better than taking subtle swipes at Microsoft. While their television and web ads have been doing this for some time much to the glee and satisfaction of Apple fans around the world it seems that they are adding another area to their arsenal.

Alex Wilhelm over at The Next Web points out that Apple has begun taking out Google AdWords that are centered around Windows 7. The ads are showing up in searches for `download windows 7`and `windows 7 download`as you can see from the image below (thanks Alex)

Talk about a fine example, and funny, of guerrilla advertising.

Microsoft pulls out of Family Guy

Steven Hodson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:04:16 +0000

Last week Seth MacFarlane the creative genius behind the hit show Family Guy and Microsoft announced a rather interesting partnership. In effect Family Guy Presents: Seth and Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show would be sponsored by Microsoft in exchanged for Windows 7 product placement in the show.

Of course this created a roar of sell-out and flack galore for both Seth and Microsoft but it wasn’t that bad PR that caused Microsoft to pull out of the deal. Instead it turns out that Microsoft didn’t want to be associated with jokes about deaf people, the Holocaust, feminine hygiene and incest.

That apparently was a bit too much for Microsoft.

“We initially chose to participate in the Seth and Alex variety show based on the audience composition and creative humor of ‘Family Guy,’ but after reviewing an early version of the variety show it became clear that the content was not a fit with the Windows brand,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “We continue to have a good partnership with Fox, Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein and are working with them in other areas. We continue to believe in the value of brand integrations and partnerships between brands, media companies and talent.”

Source: MacFarlane special loses Microsoft

All the PR spin aside it is interesting to see that Microsoft is taking this stance. Of course because it is Microsoft you can be sure that they’ll get some bad press over pulling out their sponsorship deal with the show.

Windows 7 Student Upgrade Kit Fails To Install, Microsoft Offers Refunds

James Allen Johnson — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:30:26 +0000

I’m sure Apple will have a heyday with this little bit of news, it appears the download friendly Windows 7 Student Upgrade has been failing on Windows Vista 32-bit systems. A problem established due to an ISO error included with the download.

According to Engadget the issue is occurring because the ISO file that is suppose to execute is actually being read as a .EXE file and several bundles. As users attempt to install the upgrade the system eventually outputa a bunch of nonsense about how the 64-bit upgrade is trying to install on a 32-bit system.

Microsoft is offering refunds to anyone who purchased the $29 upgrade. If you really don’t want to deal with a refund DownloadSquad is showing users how to create a CD out of the downloaded files, although ludites may want to avoid the process.

Burger King Windows 7 Whopper Video. See An Actual Person Eating 7 Burger Patties At One Time

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:09:16 +0000

Yesterday I wrote about how Japan Burger King stores were offering their Windows 7 Whopper, a seven beef patty burger that’s 5 inches tall and sure to give you a heart attack. Now the first “victim” of the burger has been filmed.

It was one thing to see a picture of this monster sized burger, it’s a whole new experience to see it in all it’s live glory.

Check out the Windows 7 Whopper Video below:

[Engadget]

Are you throwing a Windows 7 torrenting party?

Kim LaCapria — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:47:50 +0000

Microsoft got roundly laughed at for their unlikely gathering of demographics telling us to have Amway-reminiscent launch parties for the release of Windows 7.

Funny or Die imagines a much edgier party for the launch. With space cakes. Where’s my tiny chair?!? (NSFW language at the end.)

[Via Gizmodo]

Japan Burger King Offers Windows 7 Whopper. Bring On The Heart Attacks

James Allen Johnson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:36:54 +0000

Oh Japan, how I love your ability to create the most insanely odd advertising campaigns of all time. But seriously, a Windows 7 Whopper? Why on earth does anyone need a 5 inch tall burger with seven patties of beef? Then again the¥777 (or $8.55) isn’t a bad deal for such a mammoth heart attack waiting to happen.

The burger which was announced today is available for the next seven day in celebration of Microsoft’s release of the Windows 7 operating system.

I should also note that only 30 customers per day can take advantage of the ¥777 price, each customer after that point will pay ¥1,450 ($17.10), which totally doesn’t go with the “number 7 theme.” that they seem to have going for the first 30 customers each day.

Quick tip: bring your own bread and make 7 burgers for the price of three or four. [Electronista]

All the fuss about touch computing is just greasy fingerprints and sore arms

Steven Hodson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:34:30 +0000

As I was getting ready for another wasted morning (and afternoon) getting ready for my trip to get some medical tests done I caught James’ posts about some slick new Acer touch enabled laptops (thanks to Window 7). Then during the trip I got to thinking about this whole ‘touch’ thing and if it really is the next great frontier of computers that everyone seems to be making it out to be.

I’m not saying that there aren’t practical applications for using touch enabled computers but when it comes to both desktop machines and laptops one has to wonder just where the bonuses are – especially given you will need to replace any existing monitors with new ones. Where touch might make sense in kiosk setups or even Surface type setups for specialized uses the idea that we will get any added benefit from using touch at the desktop or laptop level is silly.

Sure I can make the silly comment about having to always make sure the bottle of Windex and paper towels are handy but seriously can you imagine just how dirty our screens are going to get if touch really takes off?

But even more important is the whole ergonomic effect of touch computing will affects us. If we thought that carpal tunnel syndrome was all the rage just wait until we are spending hours having to hold our up in order to point, move or swish stuff around the desktop.

There is no doubt we will at some point evolve to using some really cool user interfaces but at this point I have to agree with Harry McCracken at Technologizer when he says

I’m still not convinced that touch is going to become a pervasive part of Windows anytime soon–as I say in the PC World review, it’s a fun luxury rather than an essential new feature. (It’s hard to make a new form of input essential when it’s been grafted onto an interface that worked just fine with the input options it already had.)

Boot Windows 7 in just 10 seconds

Dennis Bjørn Petersen — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:06:55 +0000

How would you like to boot up Windows 7 in just 10 seconds? With the newly developed BIOS from Phoenix it is now possible.

The BIOS was demonstrated at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco last week. Phoenix calls their new BIOS “Instant Boot BIOS” and it works by starting all units (components) at once.

A traditional BIOS starts the components one at a time, which means Windows won’t load before that process is complete. That usually takes from 10 seconds and up. The video below shows the “Instant Boot BIOS” installed on a Lenovo T400S laptop. The machine is equipped with a Solid State Disk and a “clean” Windows 7 installation.

The new BIOS will also improve wake-up time after hibernation. Hopefully we’ll see this in PCs in no time.

The coming Windows 7 tsunami: OMG which version do I get?

Steven Hodson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Just to clarify – this post is meant for all those windows users that are looking to upgrade to windows 7 when it finally hits the market. It isn’t meant for penguin lovers or apple tart fans so don’t bother with the snide comments because you are only showing how silly you are. Now – let’s move onto the point of this post.

The presales of Windows 7 have started, OEMs are gearing up new machines that will come with Vista installed but some free upgrade coupons for when Windows 7 is finally released in early fall. The question that a lot of current Windows users are going to be asking themselves is which of the three different versions should they get. I know because I’ve been asking myself the same question and thanks to Ed Bott I have a much clear idea of the route to take.

First off only a miniscule number of people are going to need the Ultimate package and chances are you aren’t in that group. I say this with some confidence knowing my own usage of Windows and the fact that 99.99999% of Windows users would be wasting their money by getting it.

This leaves picking between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium. The decision in my opinion would have been a lot easier if Professional had been called Windows 7 Corporate because in all reality 90% of the Windows consumer market will never need the features in this version.

Which leaves us with the Home Premium version as the best choice for the consumer market, but to clarify the reasons why let’s have a look at what Professional brings to the table and why Home Premium will do just fine for you.

Memory: Professional supports up to 192GB of RAM whereas Home Premium supports up to 16GB of RAM. I would suggest that 16GB of RAM is more than enough for just about any home or small business use and that anymore is pretty well overkill.

Presentation Mode/Network Projector: This feature isn’t included in Home Premium and really I don’t think, outside of some rare cases, that general consumers would miss having the feature.

Encrypting File System: There are enough third party utility programs out there that if this is an important need it doesn’t mean that you need to spend the extra money for Professional. Three examples for this type of software are

TrueCrypt – free

SafeHouse Personal – $29.99

Intercrypto – CryptoExpert 2009 Professional – $59.95

Windows XP Mode: There is some confusion as to what this is but really for the most part this isn’t something that the larger consumer market is going to need. If you would like some clarification about what it is I would suggest reading Ed Bott’s post on the feature. If you to think you need it just remember that chances are you already have a legitimately licensed copy of XP so all you really need is some virtualization software. Some possible virtualization software choices you have are:

Virtual Box – free

Microsoft Windows Virtual PC – free

VMWare ESXi – free

Backup to Network: When it comes to good backup software that will provide you with all kinds of alternatives of where you can backup your disk images or data, so really this isn’t something that should be a selling point to get Professional. Some software alternatives are:

Acronis TrueImage – $49.99

GRBackPro – $59.00

An online option is Carbonite – $54.95 per year

Offline Files: With native Microsoft options like Live Mesh or Live Sync this isn’t a selling point for getting Professional.

Remote Desktop Host: Again there are more than enough third party utility programs out there that cover this so it isn’t a feature that you need to consider as a buying point of Professional. A couple of examples of available software are

Crossloop – free

TeamViewer – free

That pretty well covers any of the possible features that might make you have to make a decision about whether to get Professional or Home Premium. On the whole though I would say that for the vast majority of consumers out there the Home Premium would be the most logical choice. The other two options are pretty well overkill and won’t provide you with anything you really need to justify the price you will pay.

My thanks to Ed Bott for an excellent post clarifying the differences and for the graphic breaking down the differences.

Are operating systems too expensive at any price?

Steven Hodson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:10:01 +0000

Now before the penguin brigade jumps in with their typical Linux is free crap let me just say this – STFU. This post as should be obvious from the headline is about those two popular operating systems that people pay money for. So swim back to your icebergs and leave me alone.

With that necessary disclaimer out of the way let’s get to the serious discussion. This summer and fall is going to see the wide spread release of both OS X Snow Leopard and Windows 7. Discounting the obvious fanboy beating of the chest about whose operating system is better than the other I am more interested in the price being paid by the consumer. Or rather if we are approaching a period where there is a break point where the price being charged is too much.

The realistic approach of OS X

As much as Window fans might like to point to the fact that Apple holds a hammerlock on it’s hardware and software which in some ways gives it an unfair advantage when it comes to pricing its operating system the fact is that Apple really just see the OS as an ends to a means. As such it has always priced its OS at a level that would make any Windows user drool.

Yes much of Apple’s profits originate from its hardware sales with the OS being a necessity in order to get their customers to buy their other products which are more realistically priced. The one thing to keep in mind though is that this OS pricing due to the hardware/software lock is only possible because unlike Windows, Apple doesn’t have to expend large development costs in supporting the same depth of hardware.

As a result it is easy to understand how Apple is able to provide Snow Leopard for $29 an upgrade or $129 for the full install. One has to wonder though that while the upgrade price is a real sweet spot, why is there such a difference between it and the full install version. Is there really that much difference to justify the $100 difference?

The hair pulling approach of Windows

Windows has always gotten flack for its pricing of the operating system, as well as for the insanity of the different versions of the same software. After all as it is pointed out in all the discussion that is starting about Windows 7 pricing it is basically the same DVD being sold for all versions. While this might make it nice and easy for upgrading between the various flavors of the OS it definitely makes one scratch one’s head as to why they even need so many versions.

Microsoft has always been known for trying to milk its OS sales for every cent they can. So having as many different versions of Windows has been to their advantage. The only problem is that when they tried this with Windows Vista it came back to bite them hard on the ass. I think that is one of the reasons why Vista failed in the marketplace – people didn’t have a clue as to which version to upgrade to. So since XP was still a rock solid OS why worry about it.

So I think when it came to Windows 7 there was some serious rethinking about this mistake and which is why we are back to seeing three versions being pushed into the pipeline. While this is a good thing to see the same attitude of change hasn’t really been seen when it comes to the pricing. they might be touting an 8% price drop from Vista as a great consumer oriented deal but the fact is Windows is still price heavy.

For example these are the current proposed prices expected when Windows 7 goes live

Upgrade Path:

Home Premium – $119.00 US / $129.95 Cdn
Professional – $199.00 US / $249.95 Cdn
Ultimate – $219.00 US / $279. 95 Cdn

Full Install Path:

Home Premium – $199.00 US / $224.95 Cdn
Professional – $299.00 US / $329.95 Cdn
Ultimate – $319.00 US / $349.95 Cdn

Source: Ars Technica / Canadian prices courtesy of Kris Abel’s Tech Life

As I pointed out in the section about Apple is that Microsoft has an incredible myriad of hardware to support which will obviously add to the cost of developing the OS. That doesn’t mean though that as we more to more of a digital download world that the prices being asked for the Windows OS is entirely justified.

Right off the bat the idea of an Ultimate version makes absolutely no sense in a general, or power user, consumer market. When Vista came out with that I wrote about how it was a waste of money and my opinion hasn’t changed with the Windows 7 version of it either. Once you take that out of the equation you are left with Home Premium and Professional. At what point does the consumer market switch from a premium user to a professional one?

Even though Microsoft might like to point to some minor price drop as their way of making the OS more affordable the fact is it isn’t. Beside confusing consumers as to what version of Windows 7 is best for them the idea that an OS is worth the prices they want to charge is ludicrous especially considering the large majority of their sales will be at the lower OEM prices. We also need to take into consideration the reality that we are very quickly moving into a downloadable distribution channel which means Microsoft’s delivery costs would be miniscule compared to the current retail sales channel.

The changing landscape of consumer usage

While Apple’s pricing of OS X might be more consumer friendly that Windows multi-tier pricing they are both ignoring how the consumer use of computers has changed. Where their prices might be applicable and to a point understandable when most homes, or individuals only had one computer that in a growing number is no longer the case.

Whether they be laptops, media centers, gaming rigs, laptops or even the new netbooks it is no longer uncommon to see multiple computers within one home. In the case of a family chances are that each member has some form computer they are using. Even on an individual level people stand a good chance of having more than one machine.

So instead of only having to purchase one license people are having to buy multiple licenses and there is no denying the expense regardless of OS. Take myself: I have my main desktop, a media machine in the process of being rebuilt, my wife’s laptop and plans for a laptop of my own. That’s for licenses for Windows 7 that I am going to need 4 of which means a cost of $899.80 for the Home Premium or $1,319.80 for the Professional version. Even if I was an Apple user and all those were Macs I would still be looking at $387.00 USD.

And really what is the difference between 1 licensed version and 4?

The serial number is the only difference. So in effect we are paying in excess of anywhere from $500.00 to $1,000 for three sets of numbers.

As much as we bitch about old media being stuck in the mindset of outmoded business models the fact is even supposedly modern tech businesses are stuck in the same mindset.

And they wonder why stuff gets pirated.

Microsoft flips the EU (and Opera) the bird, and I love it.

Steven Hodson — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:20:00 +0000

In what has proven to be the biggest bullshit argument of the last five to ten years Opera initiated a oh woes me complaint to the European Union about Windows 7 shipping with Internet Explorer 8 and how that was hurting the competitive browser market. Now besides the fact that I’m surprised that Opera still makes a browser worth worrying, about the argument that Internet Explorer is enjoying a the top position in the browser market because it comes with Windows has been proven wrong so many times it has gotten to be plain boring.

That hasn’t stopped the whining though or the desire of the EU to hit up the Microsoft ATM machine for some more cash. Even though Internet Explorer has been losing market share – especially in Europe – to other browsers like Firefox, Safari and even Chrome (but not Opera) this hasn’t stopped the EU from thinking up wonderful ways for Microsoft to make it easier for it’s competition to kick it in the face while it is down. Everything from forcing Microsoft to include other browsers with each Windows distribution to having a “Pick Me” screen that would let the user select the browser they want to download and use has been on the table.

In a brilliant move of chutzpa Microsoft has decided to ship the European versions of Windows without any browser installed. By doing this Microsoft has neatly sidestepped the need for them to supply installable versions of all the other browsers as well as not having to have the “Pick Me” type screen. As John Paczkowski from Digital Daily puts it – “…. if there is no browser, there’s no need for the “must carry” provision the EU is mulling”. Additionally he points out

Perhaps. But Microsoft’s obligation isn’t to provide more choice. It’s to refrain from restricting it, which is exactly what the EC demanded and exactly what Microsoft is doing here.

In a post on the Microsoft On The Issues blog Dave Hiner, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel (so beware legal speak), points out why this idea of a “Pick Me” – or Ballot Screen as Microsoft terms it – isn’t a workable solution at this time

Our decision to only offer IE separately from Windows 7 in Europe cannot, of course, preclude the possibility of alternative approaches emerging through Commission processes. Other alternatives have been raised in the Commission proceedings, including possible inclusion in Windows 7 of alternative browsers or a “ballot screen” that would prompt users to choose from a specific set of Web browsers. Important details of these approaches would need to be worked out in coordination with the Commission, since they would have a significant impact on computer manufacturers and Web browser vendors, whose interests may differ. Given the complexity and competing interests, we don’t believe it would be best for us to adopt such an approach unilaterally.

The general reaction around the big tech blogs has been one of it being a brilliant move by Microsoft. such as Mary Jo Foley who wrote

Thinking it through, I’d say Microsoft’s plan for Windows 7 E is a stroke of genius for the company. In one fell swoop, Microsoft creates anti-EC sentiments; makes itself look like the law-abiding underdog; thwarts the “ballot screen” plan the EC seemed to be favoring, which would put IE on a level playing field with its competitors’ browsers; and possibly earns a few extra bucks via OEM browser-licensing deals.

Personally I think this was one of the smartest moves that Microsoft could have made in this situation. It basically tells all the whiny cry-baby browser makers, chiefly Opera, to STFU and quit trying to blame their woes on Microsoft’s supposed browser dominance. A dominance that doesn’t, and hasn’t, existed for a long time. It also shows the EU that the Microsoft ATM machine is now closed and that if anyone in Europe wants to bitch about having to decide which browser to use they can look to their own elected officials because Microsoft isn’t playing the old “make us your piñata” anymore.

It looks good on ya.

Microsoft strips IE from European version of Windows 7

Duncan Riley — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:00:03 +0000

Microsoft will ship a European version of Windows 7 without Internet Explorer (IE) in response to an EU anti-trust investigation.

The EU filed a Statement of Objections against Microsoft in January that alleged that Microsoft’s practice of bundling IE with Window breached EU Antitrust laws. The EU claims that IE in Windows harms competition between web browsers, undermines product innovation, and reduces consumer choice.”

An EU only version of Windows isn’t a first for Microsoft, who have previously shipped Windows XP and Vista without Windows Media Player due to similar EU antitrust concerns.

According to CNET, OEMs will have the option to add the browser back in, ship another browser, or ship multiple browsers. “The E versions of Windows 7 will include all the features and functionality of Windows 7 in the rest of the world, other than browsing with Internet Explorer,” Microsoft said in a memo. “Computer manufacturers will be able to add any browser they want to their Windows 7 machines, including Internet Explorer, so European consumers who purchase new PCs will be able to access the Internet without any problem. Consumers will also be able to add any Web browser to their PCs, to supplement or replace the browsers preinstalled by their computer manufacturer.”

Microsoft: Has the battleship finally turned?

Steven Hodson — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 01:14:27 +0000

Mention Microsoft in any conversation on technology and you will more often than not hear more negative things about the company, and its software, than you will about the things that it is doing right. Words like copycat, no innovation, bloated software, evil are peppered in any conversation do to with the company. Many like to equate Microsoft to some great big battleship that is slow and lumbering when compared to the more nimble companies associated with Web 2.0 and Social Media.

Given this last month and the current slew of announcements one has to wonder if indeed that battleship has turned finally and is coming with all its guns on board firing. Let’s look at some of the stuff that it is managing to pull off and apparently pulling off very well.

Windows 7

After the debacle that was known as Vista many had written off Microsoft’s operating systems as a has been Microsoft fires back by announcing that Windows 7 would be shipping by the fall. Not only will it be shipping sooner than the previous 2010 deadline the company had set but by all accounts this is the operating system that Vista should have been. Reports started coming out about how svelte Windows 7 was right down to the point that it would run just fine on netbook, which is something you would never have dreamed of doing with Vista.

From personal experience running both the beta and the release candidate of the operating system Windows 7 is definitely head and shoulders above Vista. I have joked in the passed that if there was a line-up forming where I could pre-order Windows 7 I’d be right there, except it’s not really a joke. With Windows 7 I think that Microsoft could very well have redeemed itself in the operating system market.

Bing

Okay, I still think it is one stupid ass name but the early results from around the Web have been for the most part fairly favorable. Sure there are some folks who wouldn’t like anything Microsoft does in this area and there are others who have legitimate points against the new search engine from the company.

Microsoft won’t be, and never intended to be, a danger to Google with this offering but they have however stepped up their own game in search which is a good thing. Only time, and improvements, will tell if they will be able to improve their dismal standings in the search market place.

Xbox – Project Natal

This is one that I don’t think anybody saw coming from what I have been able to tell by reading the news about this really cool addition to Xbox. I’m still trying to figure out all the details but the buzz is that this is something that Nintendo should be really concerned about. the very basic idea is the Natal is an add-on controller for Xbox that uses a 3-D camera tied in with an array of motion sensors that will capture the players movements and translate them to in-game actions. Natal will also supports voice and facial recognition as well as multiple players by the time it is launched.

Here’s a short video of the demo that Microsoft gave at E3

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Xbox – Movies & Streaming Video

The Xbox online Video Marketplace will be getting a new name, Zune Video, and will be changing from a download service into a streaming video service that will be offering 1080p, 5.1 surround sound High Definition content. In other words an instant on-demand movie store that players will also have the option to share their movie watching with others through Xbox LIVE Party.

Xbox – Going Social

the other very interesting news as far as the Xbox is concerned is that Microsoft will be integrating Twitter and Facebook into Xbox. So you will be able to sign in with your Facebook Connect info and post images and info to your Facebook account (pictures courtesy of Kris Abel’s Tech Life blog)

As you will be able to post to your Twitter timeline and access your Twitter Favorites

The Road Forward

No-one is willing the suggest that Microsoft has successfully re-imaged themselves at this point, but for the first time in a very long time Microsoft is doing stuff that people will need to pay attention to. they are starting to make inroads in the cool factor that they probably aren’t getting enough credit for. Sure there are diehard Microsoft haters out there but nothing the company does will get them to admit anything other than they just hate the company.

If Microsoft keeps moving forward the way they are there could be some very interesting times ahead.

The Windows 7 Logo – the sunglasses release

Steven Hodson — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:11:20 +0000

While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed it officially, the folks that are generally right on the money when it comes to ferreting out stuff like this think it’s for real so behold the next Windows 7 Logo and packaging. I’ll wait while you go and get your sunglasses because I know that flare glare can be a real killer on the eyes.

As well as the logo design we also have the possible typeface and backgrounds as well as a rendition of what the Windows 7 kiosk might look like once it hits the retail chains. These were all sliced out of a possible official Microsoft presentation deck by Stephen Chapman so as usual you can take the info with a grain of salt if you so prefer.

Windows 7 RC download now officially available

Duncan Riley — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:01:59 +0000

Microsoft has released Windows 7 RC (release candidate) for download. The release moves Windows 7 closer to final distribution, and includes XP visualization for the first time.

Here’s the check list from Microsoft for the download:

* You don’t need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
* Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You’ll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows.)
* Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test the RC on your primary home or business PC.
* Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.
* Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
* Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
* Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you’re running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you’ll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.

You can access the Windows 7 download here.

Could Windows 7 lift the PC market from a record slide

Steven Hodson — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:14:34 +0000

It seems like the bad news just doesn’t stop coming as Gartner has a report out today that the PC industry could see a record unit decline that even surpasses the one that happened in 2001. From their press release

The PC industry will experience its sharpest unit decline in history, with PC shipments totalling 257 million units in 2009, an 11.9 percent decline from 2008, according to Gartner, Inc. Previously, PC units experienced their worst decline in 2001 when unit shipments contracted 3.2 percent.

“The PC industry is facing extraordinary conditions as the global economy continues to weaken, users stretch PC lifetimes and PC suppliers grow increasingly cautious,” said George Shiffler, research director at Gartner.

This kind of news has people like John Paczkowski from Digital Daily suggesting that this is really bad news as well for companies like Intel, AMD and Microsoft. After reading that I got to wondering about something – given that there is a really strong possibility that rather than the 2010 release date for Windows 7 that Microsoft is sticking to we will see a fall of 2009 release and that this could have a real positive effect on the PC market.

I don’t think there is anyone in the industry who would tell you how bad of a flop Vista has been for Microsoft. Sure it still made money for the company but nothing like it could have. More and more talk about how people and companies are going to be sidestepping Vista altogether, instead opting to wait for Windows 7. Now typically the end of year sales for PC is a immensely critical time for PC makers and when Vista crashed and burned by missing that release window for Vista it rippled through the industry.

This is one of the reasons why – especially from Microsoft’s point of view – that it can’t let this happen again. Tie that in with the current projections of a PC marketplace desperate to stop its own bloodbath and one has to wonder if Microsoft does release Windows 7 in time for the Christmas buying season whether or not is will indeed reverse the downward spiral of the PC.

I’m not so sure though if it will given the spreading economic crisis but here’s a what if to consider where Microsoft could have a real positive effect. What if they were to take the top consumer version and the best small business version and slash their prices to both the individual and for small business; and I don’t just mean some fancy but useless 10% discount. I mean cut the price to just above barebones profit margin.

This would give OEMs the opportunity to be able to actually included it as part of the PC without A) having to jack the price of the computer up to offset their cost of the OS and B) it would encourage not only single upgrade purchases of the OS but also multiple purchases of the OS by individuals and small business. I know myself I am waiting for the line to form to be able to buy a copy of Windows 7 but I also have another computer in the household that I would love to upgrade to it as well but if the cost is more than I can afford given Microsoft’s past pricing schemes it won’t happen.

The chances of them doing something like this is probably next to nil but I think that if they did it could potentially have a really good effect on the industry as a whole – just when we could use it the most.

Windows 7 enhances its gaming corner

Steven Hodson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:20:53 +0000

There are really a lot of cool things in Windows 7 many of which aren’t always apparent at first; or even second and third glance. I’ve written about some of them over on my home blog but I wanted to share this as many folks as I could because I think what the Windows 7 team has done here is something that a lot of gamers are going to like. Not just hardcore gamers but everyone from the player of Solitaire right on up to Halo.

Back in Vista (may it quickly rest in pieces) one of the new things that was introduced was the Games Explorer; which was where you could launch and manage your built-in windows games along with PC games under the Games for Windows title. Not much overly special about that but in Windows 7 they have stepped up the game – so to speak – and added a whole slew of new functionality to it. Part of this you will notice when you fire up Games Explorer in Windows 7 and see that it is actually divided into two parts. The first part is the typical Games section and then there is one called Game Providers. This second part is the area that is utilized by the companies whose games you install on your Windows 7 system.

The idea behind this Game Providers section is that game manufacturers who take part in the program can hook in through the Games Explorer and automatically notify you of any available updates, be able to install the updates from within the Games Explorer dialog as well as any other information that might be available about the game. All these options can be enabled from within the Options areas of the Games Explorer.

One other rather cool feature is that the Games Explorer can keep track of statistics to do with the games you are playing. The statistics are tracked for the different levels for each of the games.

This is one area of the new version of Windows that I wasn’t really expecting to see any changes so it is really nice to see some serious improvements. While the whole Game Provider section is a little light at this point I hope that game developers take advantage of this new addition of services to Windows. I’m pretty sure the gamers will appreciate it.

a big hat tip to the team at the Vista Team blog.