Vista VS OS-X

For those of you who are interested or even bothered, ExtremeTech have an ongoing discussion happening at their forums. It's an interesting and honest comparison, however it's bound to ruffle some feathers.

Microsoft Launch MSN Video

Microsoft has announced the launch of a new social video service which is tightly integrated with it Windows Live Messenger instant messaging service. "MessengerTV," is initially only available in 20 countries, including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Brazil, and Mexico. Funny enough it is not yet available in the US. The service offers content from MSN Video's collection, this includes TV shows, music videos, and a selection of the web's viral content from third party providers.

Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price Cuts For Some Eastern Markets

Microsoft announced that they will be discounting the Xbox 360 in four of its five Asian markets. They are hoping that this will continue expand their market share. There are currently over 19 million Xbox owners.

XP SP3 RTM - April 29th Availability

Microsoft have confirmed that they have released XP Service Pack 3 to manufacturing. It will also be in Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center on April 29th.

XP Available Till 2010

Microsoft have announced that Windows XP Home will be available to OEMs until at least June 2010. Microsoft is very clearly recognisisng that consumers and manufacturers are not seeing much in the way of benefit in migrating to Windows Vista. I still haven't seen it necessary to use Vista on my boxes and laptop.

Microsoft iPhone Like Interface...

According to i4u.com and Dial a phone, Microsoft have file a patent for a UI which may be designed for Windows Mobile devices and which looks very similar to that of the iPhone.

Jobs and Gates Meet & Chat

Last Wednesday night, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates had an intimate sit-down, in which they chatted and shared with an audience much in the way of the history and relationship between Apple, Microsoft and each other. Engadget have posted a review of the meet, so to read more, visit here.

Microsoft To Issue Seven Security Patches

According to Information Week, Microsoft are slated to release Seven patches next week, Three security bulletins are related to Office, two for Windows. Exchange is affected by one, as is Microsoft BizTalk business process management server and Capicom, a Microsoft ActiveX control. Microsoft said that next thursday they will also provide an update to their Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. The company is additionally planning to release one high-priority non-security update on Windows Update as well as six high-priority non-security updates through Microsoft Update.

Spotlight On . . . Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

These days plenty of doctors are prescribing ergonomic keyboards in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries caused by unnatural typing positions. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is decked out in black, with a soft palm rest made of very durable and washable synthetic, plus an array of system control and web browser navigation keys positioned above the F-keys. Professional keyboards such as the Kinesis Maxim offer adjustments for keyboard split angle, lateral angle, vertical angle, and tent angle. The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 offers only vertical angle adjustment using hinged feet, in addition to the fixed split key layout and moderate fixed vertical tenting. The supplied Intellitype keyboard driver installs a configuration tab in the Windows Control Panel keyboard applet so that you can assign and configure the extra control and navigation keys. The gently curved key split reduces wrist pronation and the tent angle provides a noticeably more natural wrist and forearm position. The key layout conforms to Microsoft's standard which pairs Insert/Delete, Home/End and Page Up/PageDown in a double row. The numeric keypad is on the right side. An F-Lock key is provided to activate alternate key functions. Indicator LEDs for Caps, Num, F and Scroll Lock are located between the split key layout. Most of the key caps are concave, so strikes feel generally accurate. But the Ctrl keys are flat and the space bar and Alt keys have slightly convex tops which are disconcerting to some users. General home users, general business users, students and gamers should get good use out of this one, but medium to heavy duty typists still need a professional keyboard such as the Kinesis Maxim or the Goldtouch. 3 out of 5 stars

Microsoft To End Sales Of XP In Jan 2008

Despite problems with Vista, Microsoft are planning to end the availability of Windows XP for sale with systems from January 2008. This means that all Windows PCs offered for sale after that date are going to have Windows Vista installed. This decision applies to all versions of Windows XP. Manufacturers like HP, Dell, Toshiba, and others will no longer be able to offer new systems with pre-installed versions of Windows XP.

Microsoft Sued Over Vista Capable Marketing...

A Seattle based law firm is spearheading a lawsuit which claims Microsoft of allowing PC manufacturers to label computers as "Vista capable" when they're barely able to run even the most basic version of Vista. Shame on you Microsoft and fellow Rogues...

Microsoft Announces Three Halo 3 Editions

Microsoft Game Studios and Bungie Studios released details on their upcoming Halo 3 title for the Xbox 360. Gamers will have their choice of the Standard Edition for $60, a Limited Edition $70 or the Legendary Edition which will come complete with a Spartan helmet case, along with two bonus disks full of supplemental content for $130. Gamers who purchase the Legendary Edition will also receive a collection of original “Halo 3” storyboard art from artist Lee Wilson, from the cinematic production of Halo.