Tag Archives: Microsoft

Audio, Media Players, News, Video

Zune HD Officially Announced, Going Live This Fall

After so many rumors and speculations floating around, Microsoft has finally announced the Zune HD, which suppose to make its first appearance somewhere this fall, competing head-to-head with Apple’s popular iPod Touch player. Regretfully, there’s nothing much to share in terms of specs or features, but from the very few fragments we’ve managed to collect, you briefly can figure out it’ll probably pack a 3.3-inch 480 x 272 OLED capacitive touchscreen, together with a built-in HD Radio receiver, 720P HD output (via dock station), integrated WiFi connection and accelerometer sensors for landscape usability. Additionally, you might find a designated Explorer browser for internet surfing purposes and hopefully, a mashup interface with Xbox / Xbox Live gaming consoles. Still, no pricing or capacity details to write about, although one should expect either 16GB or 32GB flavors inside, but this way or another those rumored images earlier published, make no place for mistakes – Zune HD is live and kicking. Full press release after the break.

Update1: The guys at Gizmodo have managed to put their hands on the freakishly new Zune HD while hanging around D7’s conference hall. First images indicate an incredibly thin-and-light design, combined with a stunning 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, basic Zune UI, adjusted to the touch navigation mode and rounded edges, build with a big “Home” button placed at the bottom lefte.  Hit the jump to watch the video or their link for even more images.

Update2: Zune Insider has officially confirmed that Zune HD will be running NVIDIA’s Tegra chipset inside, which means – full high-def video compatibility in the palm of your hand. Still no word about final release dates, but we’re following.

Update3: Rumors around claim the new Zune HD will be priced somewhere betweem $249 and $280 for the 16GB version, while a 64GB modelis on the prep for a late release. Stay tuned.

Update4: Both BestBuy and Amazon have just listed up the Zune HD on their inventory system , priced at $220 for the 16GB model, and $290 for the 32GB version, coming on September 8th. It’s less than a month to go, so stay tuned.

zune-hd

Continue reading Zune HD Officially Announced, Going Live This Fall →

Computers, Hardware, News

Microsoft To Release Recommended Windows 7 Specs For Netbooks

2 Comments

Already got yourself a new portable netbook device? Having  some thoughts about installing Windows 7 on it? Maybe you should hear  Redmond’s supportive opinion first, before replacing your already-existing XP version. According to Microsoft,  “small notebook” owners (netbook s) should be able to maximize their Windows 7 usability, once having a 10.2-inch display, together with 1GB of RAM, 250GB hard drive or 64GB SSD configuration inside their netbooks. Additionally, max specs should also include a single-core processor under 2GHz clock with no limitation at the “Touch” and “Graphics” spectrum . Mind you, these are maximum stats , so no one should really bother too much,  as most machines support those requirements out-of-the -box.  Nevertheless, working with Windows 7 for quite some time has brought us into the conclusion it’d be best getting at least 64GB hard drive before begining this new adventure.

microsoft-win7-max-stats

[Via ZDNet]

Audio, Media Players, News, Video

Microsoft Preps a New Zune HD For The Summer (Update:Probably September)

According to a tipster, Microsoft will presumably release a new Zune player with HD capabilities, somewhere this year. Naturally, we have no other details, nor any specs of the new device itself, but if this info is correct, and it sure looks reliable, the Zune 4th Generation should be available with a wide and sharp touchscreen, supporting high-def video and some other features, which you can find in the iPod Touch players. Stay tuned for more to come.

Update1: More uncertain specs show up across the cyber world, revealing a 16:9 AMOLED display with multi-touch usability (capacitive), joining the mini-HDMI output and the HD Radio feature, both bundled inside, along with a full HTML browser, to wirelessly surf the web. And while we have no special ability to determine “details accuracy”, you should take our word when we say it’ll be offered either in 16GB or 32GB capacities. However, In case you look for even more speculative rumors, Zune fanboys will also tell you the new HD device might support 3D XBox games, thanks to the integrated NVidia chipset, which we really hope to see included. Other than that, a worldwide release is said to take place somewhere around September, so stay tuned for real things to come.

Update2: May 12th 2009 – According to ZDNet, the next Zune / Windows Mobile device (AKA: Chassis 1) will feature a whole bunch of top-notch specs, including a 3.5-inch multi-touch display along with ARM v6+ processor, 1GB of RAM, OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics hardware, 3 megapixel camera, GPS navigation system, WiFi / Bluetooth connections, built in accelerometer and even Nvidia’s Tegra platform, integrated with TI’s OMAP 3  and “Qualcomm 8k” chipsets, to handle those strong requirements. Of course, these are just rumors, and we can’t take them that serious, although we do hold an opinion that Chassis 1 will be strong enough to match market demands.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Microsoft Preps a New Zune HD For The Summer (Update:Probably September) →

Applications, Media Players, News

30GB Zune Shows Y2K9 Failures

Originally written on January 1st:

Surprising or not, the 30GB Zune players started suffering from serious fails just as we hit December 31th 2008. If you are one of those unhappy owners, you’ve probably noticed some murky crashes, locking your Microsoft devices, turning them unfunctional. No official word from Microsoft up to this point.  

Update1: seems like the problem comes from the internal clock and calendar. Redmond has issued an official respond:

“We are aware that customers with the Zune 30GB are experiencing issues with their Zune device. We are actively working now to isolate the issue and develop a solution to address it. We will keep customers informed on next steps via the support page on zune.net (zune.net/support). “

Update2: turns out it was a Freescale’s code bug that caused the same problems to other similar players with the same chip.

[via Engadget]

 

Audio, Media Players

Zune To Get "Gears Of Wars 2" Special Edition Version

Shooting games are very popular among the gamers communities, specially when it comes to futuristic combat zones, which provide next-gen battle field experiences and top-notch weapons to handle. But the excitement, doesn’t necessarily, have to stay in our leaving rooms, in front of the game consoles,  It can also be shifted to our multimedia hanheld, as it was carried out by Microsoft, with the announcement of the “Gears of War 2” Zune 120 special edition PMP, pre-loaded with tons of freebies, including 244 fragments from the game, the soundtrack, behind-the-scenes videos, making the art, and many more, all packed in a blackish version, engraved with a shady skull at the back, now available for pre-orders at Walmart.com and Amazon.com, if you can shell out $280 and wait for the shipping date, somewhere around November.

[via gmp3]

Media Players

Zune Players To Feature New Colors Collection

Following the new Zunes announcement, Microsoft has decided to variegate the collection with some new refreshing colors, as the Zune 120 will have blue and white flavors, joining the black version, while the 8GB Zune will be offered in red and white hues, together with the stunning blue flavor that we’ve already seen.

[via zuneboards]

Audio, Media Players, News, Video

Microsoft To Launch a Blue 8GB Flash Zune, Together With Zune 3.0 Firmware Update

3 Comments

Following last week’s Zune 16GB and Zune 120GB appearance, turns out there’s another kid on the block, joining the forthcoming lineup, a blue 8GB flash Zune, to be released in September with a 320 x 240 LCD display, wireless sync capabilities, Zune to Zune wireless sharing, an FM tuner and other alternative flavors, including black or silver. The new Zune supports wide variety of formats, like WMA, AAC, MP3, MPEG-4, WMV, H.264, or JPEG to play all your videos, music and images.

In addition, Microsoft will launch the Zune 3.0 platform, which includes some new features, such as Buy from FM, which lets you listen to your favorite FM radio stations and click to tag the songs you like for later purchase when you sync your device with your PC1. Zune Pass that lets you download millions of tracks, whole albums or playlists with Zune Pass subscription service. Device to Cloud that allows you to access thousands of wireless hotspots around the country to automatically update your collection, browse Zune Marketplace, refresh Channels, exchange favorites with friends, or buy songs you’ve tagged from your FM radio. Channels are custom programming stations that deliver personalized playlists to your Zune from a variety of sources you select, such as music experts, celebrities, or top radio stations. Games Zune Players now come with a selection of fun free games to choose from. Play and challenge yourself with Hexic, and make sure you play your favorite song from your collection to create your own personal game soundtrack. Video/TV Shows you can choose from a growing selection of TV shows now available on the Zune Marketplace video store. Recorded TV shows or movies from Windows Media Center in Windows Vista can be imported and synced to your Zune.

The 8GB flash-based model will be available for $149.99 and we look forward to play with the new models.

Update1: Redmond has confirmed the new lineup, to be scheduled for September 16th. Prices, as expected, stand at $250 for the 120GB Zune, $199 for the 16GB flash version and $149 for the latest 8GB model. Mind you, the new Zune 3.0 software supports all Zune players, so if you hold in your pockets older devices, you’re covered. Hit the jump to see the video from CNET News, hosting Joe Belfiore from Microsoft.

Update2: As promised, Microsoft has launched Zune 3.0 update, now available to download from here. Mind you it’s one hefty file, sized 165MB(!).

[via Zunerama]

Continue reading Microsoft To Launch a Blue 8GB Flash Zune, Together With Zune 3.0 Firmware Update →

Audio, Media Players, News

Zune 16GB and 120GB Pop Up In The Wild

Assuming those images are real, and we do get a confirmation from B&H they are, then Microsoft is about to launch two fresh Zune models, including a 16GB flash player and a 120GB HDD-based version, already available for pre-order for $249.95. Still, no info when exactly these new players will hit the stores but i guess it’s just a matter of month or so. Stay tuned for more to come.

[via zunited]

Audio, Media Players

Microsoft Jumps Into Politics, Rolls Out Republicans and Democrats Limited Edition Zune Players For The Conventions

Microsoft joins the US presidential rally, introduces two limited edition Zunes, designed for the Republican and the Democratic National Conventions. Both players are equipped with 4GB of storage, while the Democrats get the green color, which refers to the “Green Delegates Challenge” for environmental responsability, and the Republicans, on the other hand, get the red flavor, marked with their elephant symbol and the environmental responsibility slogen. Not sure where you can get these, probably in the conventions.

[via Gizmodo]

Continue reading Microsoft Jumps Into Politics, Rolls Out Republicans and Democrats Limited Edition Zune Players For The Conventions →

Applications, Media Players, Mobile, News, Operating Systems, Phones

iPhone 3G: Windows PC Jailbreak Goes Live

Windows OS users, this is your day, as Pwnage 2.0 version for your PC (AKA: WinPwn 2.0) has been released, allowing iPhone 1st Gen, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch users to jailbreak their devices and unlock their sim cards if necessary. Although it was already available, for early adopters, only 24 hours after the official Dev-Team Mac release, this one is much easier, especially with the ability to make your jailbroken handset – Sim Free – in one click. Mind you, this is only a preliminary version and it might have some bugs, so stay cautious while updating your device.

You can download the software from here or here or here.

read the instructions after the break.

Update: There are new versions available in here.

[via WinPwn]

Continue reading iPhone 3G: Windows PC Jailbreak Goes Live →

Games, Mobile

Xbox 360 Portable Concept Introduced

1 Comment

I’m sure Microsoft is planning a portable Xbox 360 device; after all, if Sony can develop one, Redmond can do it as well. Meanwhile, until it happens, we have a chance to look at an interesting portable concept that was emerged on T3 magazine, opening our appetite and our gaming imagination. This handheld concept features an all-in-one device, including a Microsoft Zune, XBox 360 and a mobile phone, packed in a sexy slim and sleek case, with gaming buttons on the right side and directions pad to the left. Honestly, I will be stoked having only an Xbox 360 portable device without the phone or the Zune included, so if people from Microsoft are listening, we do yearn for one of those.

xbox360-portable-concept

[via yanko]

News, Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows 7 Multi-Touch Demonstration

Microsoft has revealed a very nice demonstration, at the All Things Digital conference, showing some snippets of the next windows 7 OS (coming up in 2009) with amazing multi-touch capabilities that were shifted from the Microsoft Surface to a Dell Latitude XT tablet PC. The images undoubtedly prove that Microsoft wants to change the user interface experience by assimilating finger gestures that let you move, rotate or shrink images, navigate maps, play the piano and a lot more, with a simple touch of a finger. Checkout the video to see the future:

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/eFFMW13q3zc" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

[via windowsvistablog]

Games

Xbox 360 Gets a Glowing Green Case

I must admit, i’m not a modding aficionados, but this new glowing green Xbox 360 neon case from XCM looks great, specially with the semi-translucent look that provides inner glance at the console itself. There’s no word on price but it should be available soon, so if you’re looking for a unique design for your gaming box, this might be a nice solution.

xbox-360-neon-xcm

[via Technabob]

Games, General

Greenpeace Alerts From Dangerous Chemicals In Game Consoles

4 Comments

I don’t want to put you into panic, but i guess it is important for gamers to be aware of the possibility that game consoles might contain some hazardous chemicals with an impact on their memory and learning capabilities for the long term. The source for this latest alert is Greenpeace, who tested 3 major gaming consoles, including Xbox, PS3 and Nintento Wii. The organization has found those dangerous materials, like phthalates and bromine, in each one of the consoles, on different parts, so next time you crash your car on GTA IV, just think of the consequences. Mind you, Greenpeace offers a direct contact to the manufacturers in order to put some pressure and demand a clean up consoles. Interestingly, only Nintendo’s email has worked out.

game-console-controls

[via slashgear]

Internet, Media Players, Music, News, Video

Zune 2.5 Update Goes Live With a New Video Store, TV Shows And Social Playlist Sharing

Zune 2.5 spring update goes live with some cool modish features, including a video store that houses 4,800 music videos and a wide vriety of TV shows (no movies yet), available to download for $2 each or 160 MS Points (from the libraries of NBC, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and Cartoon Network). In addition, Microsoft has integrated the Zune Card sharing, which allows you to build a social network, present your dynamic friends’ list and automatically grab their recent playlist, albums and favorite artists, as long as you subscribe to Zune Pass (similar to last.fm). Furthermore, the new update integrates Windows Live Messenger “now playing” function, album review fields, to let you express your personal opinion on different albums and publish it to the world, Auto Playlists, meta data editing, easy syncing controls and finally, Gapless playback support. Needless to say, the new 2.5 Spring Update is free of charge and ready for your downloads. Check the video after the break.

zune-video-marketplace

[via engadget]

Continue reading Zune 2.5 Update Goes Live With a New Video Store, TV Shows And Social Playlist Sharing →

Internet, News

Microsoft-Yahoo Affair : End Of Story?

yahoo-microsoft Alright, so Microsoft has officially backed off from bidding on Yahoo, after a roller coaster of ups and downs, that started with an official offer to buy the company for $44.6 Billion, price that reflected $31 per share, back in February. The generous bid has never made any impression on Yahoo’s management, as the company’s directors has officially decided to turn off Microsoft’s hostile acquisition, claiming the bid is substantially lower than its real value, and whoever wants to buy them should hit $40 per share, meaning extra $9 to Steve Ballmer’s offer. Still, Microsoft clutched to its original bid (desperately trying to stay a major internet player in the growing online advertisement and searching markets) and considered an hostile takeover, by pursuing Yahoo share holders, but at the end of the day, after taking off their threatening suit, the Redmond’s were willing to raise the bid to $33, which was rejected by Yahoo as well and lead to today’s proposal withdraw announcement.

“Despite our best efforts, including raising our bid by roughly $5 billion, Yahoo! has not moved toward accepting our offer. After careful consideration, we believe the economics demanded by Yahoo! do not make sense for us, and it is in the best interests of Microsoft stockholders, employees and other stakeholders to withdraw our proposal,” said Ballmer.

Again, that wasn’t much of a squall to Sunnyvale, as Yahoo’s CEO, Jerry Yang, has apathetically responded:

…”With the distraction of Microsoft’s unsolicited proposal now behind us, we will be able to focus all of our energies on executing the most important transition in our history so that we can maximize our potential to the benefit of our shareholders, employees, partners and users.”

End of story? I’m not so sure, Temporary cease-fire? definitely yes.

[via Microsoft]

Audio, Media Players, Video

AOC To Introduce The New X700 PMP

AOC has announced the release of the new X700 PMP, coming with a 3.0-inch screen (400 x 240), 2GB of internal flash storage, an FM tuner, a microphone, an e-Book reader and an SD slot to expand capacity. It is compatible with RM , RMVB, AVI, FLV, MP3, WMA, WAV file formats and supports Microsoft’s PlayFX. No word on availability but this player is priced around $60.

AOC-X700

[via PMP Today]

Media Players

Microsoft Zune Joy Division Special Edition Goes Live In June

Microsoft plans to launch a Joy Division limited edition version of its Zune MP3 player, courtesy for the the band’s Unknown Pleasures DVD release on June 10th. To shed more info, Unknown Pleasures is the first album by Joy Division, released in 1979. In 2000, Q Magazine has placed this great album at number 19 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever, as Pitchfork Media placed it at number 9 in its list of the 100 Greatest Albums of the 1970s, so it’s very exciting to see a company like Microsoft, making this nice gesture, by endorsing the band with a special Zune edition, that will be designed by Peter Saville, the original graphic designer behind the Joy Division album covers.

Update: There are 500 copies available in the US for $400, coming in a luxury package.

Zune-Joy-Division

[via wired]

Continue reading Microsoft Zune Joy Division Special Edition Goes Live In June →

General, Hardware, News, software

Is Microsoft Planning To Open Unique Retail Stores?

Headstrong rumors claiming that Microsoft considers the opening of unique retail stores that will conspicuously market its own products. There is no doubt that Microsoft managers jealously squint at Apple’s success, thinking they can do the same, if not better. The only problem is that Apple has more hardware products to sell rather than Microsoft’s dominant software-based assortment. I mean, it’s not that Microsoft doesn’t have tangible things to offer, after all it does sell some great products like the Xbox 360 console, the Zune player, or complementary goods like video games and the accessories involved, not to mention the other peripherals such as webcam, keyboard or mouse. In addition, Microsoft sell retail software like Windows Vista and Microsoft Office, via affiliate partners and retailers. However, I’m not so sure it is the same variety as Apple’s products, including Mac, iPod and iPhone, with all the assorted accessories. Still, these are just rumors and I haven’t seen some major steps, coming from Microsoft direction, to carry out this project, but I am more than sure it crossed some Redmond minds. True or false, great or wrong, only time would tell.

microsoft-retail-store

[via macobserver]

Games

PlayStation 3 GTA IV Package Hits Europe

Remember the Xbox 360 limited-edition version, bundled with Grand Theft Auto IV? Turns out Sony has the same thing, as a 40GB PS3 console, packed with the desired game, has popped up in a Swedish retailer’s website, offering a nice designed GTA IV case along with all the required accessories. Price is extremely high, since the Scandinavian market is very expensive, but even though, 4,499 SEK ($755) won’t deter fanatic gamers from purchasing it. No details when this special edition is set to be released in the US, but be sure it will, for a much cheaper price.

ps3-gta-iv-bundle

[webhallen via engadget]

Games

XCM Introduces a Chrome Cover Shell For Xbox 360

I don’t really like this whitish Xbox 360 color, i think it’s dull and pale. To serve my desires (and others), XCM has created a really cool chrome Xbox 360 case, compatible with the HDMI ports. This new metallic mirrored shell will shine on your desk for merely $60, but if you want a matchable skin for your controllers, it should be $25 each, which makes this  escapade a bit expensive and very smudgy.

xbox-360-Chrome

[via slashgear]

Audio, General, Video

Microsoft Surface To Hit The US Market On April 17

1 Comment

Now it’s official, the Microsoft Surface is coming out stateside in 2 weeks from today, and will be available in AT&T stores around New York, San Antonio, San Francisco and Atlanta. We are talking about a 30-inch multi-touch screen table that can display photos, videos, interactive coverage maps and more. At first, costumers will be able to get a demonstration of Samsung BlackJack II, by placing it on the surface, later on, AT&T is going to add more cellphones to the Microsoft Surface data, and enable visitors to make comparison between them. In addition you will be able to drag ringtones, graphics and videos to the phone, once it is atop the Surface, which is pretty amazing. To learn more about this great device, check out the video here.

microsoft-surface

[via engadget]

Accessories, Games

XBOX 360 Gets a Limited GTA IV Edition

1 Comment

I’m really trying hard to hold my patient until next month,  craving for the most anticipated game of the year, GTA IV. Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced the release of a limited edition Grand Theft Auto IV, designed for the Xbox 360. The console will include a nice sided GTA IV graphics and a really really cool briefcase, packed with all the needed accessories like a remote control, a webcam, a headset, a wireless controller with an integrated keyboard, and more. Remember, it is a limited edition pack so only 500 pieces of this treasure are set to be released, don’t count on getting one.

xbox360-limited-gta-iv

[via slashgear]

Another picture after the break.

Continue reading XBOX 360 Gets a Limited GTA IV Edition →

General

Greenpeace Guide Marks The Greener Within Electronics Companies

Every year, Greenpeace releases the “Guide to Greener Electronics”, indicating the “green” level of electronic companies and placing them on a 0-10 analog meter scale. The guide, which rates performance based on policies and practices on toxic chemicals and electronic waste, shows that Asian companies like Samsung and Toshiba have won the highest score, gaining 7.7 points, while Nintendo has scored only 0.3 points, “earning” the most feckless e-waste company of 2008. Other 18 tech companies in the guide, include Microsoft, Sharp, Sony Ericsson, Philips, Acer, Hp, Motorola, and more. According to Greenpeace toxic waste campaigner, Iza Kruszewska, “The challenge is clear. To be truly green, the IT industry needs to commit to designing products that are free of toxic chemicals, are energy efficient, durable, and recyclable while taking full responsibility for them globally, including when they become waste“, and we say – Amen.

 Greenpeace-green-guide

[via slashgear]

Media Players

Red Zune 80 Available For Etching On Zune Originals

Red zune 80 is back in stock and available to purchase via Zune Originals. The meaning is – no red Zune without a nice designed carving at the back, which will fetch Microsoft another $10 – $15. To customize your device, just log into the new Zune Originals store, pick your favorite engraved sign or three lines of text and get yourself a nice modified player.

red-zune80

[via Zune Originals]

Hardware, Media Players

Microsoft Zune 2 Is Getting Stripped

Here’s your chance to get an inside look at the Microsoft Zune 2 80GB model. Just to remind you, the player sports a 3.2″ screen, a 4-way touch pad, a built in FM radio and WiFi capabilities. Once removing the outside shell, you discover the control chip along with the Wolfson’s WM8350G DAC chip and the WiFi antenna, running in a WYSBCVSX2 70AN module.

zune2-80gb-inside1

[via imp3]

More pictures and full observation after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft Zune 2 Is Getting Stripped →

Games, Media Players, Video

Microsoft Zune – Game Demonstration

Not long ago, we’ve reported that Microsoft is developing new games for Zune players, via XNA Studio 3.0. Now, you have a chance to cast a glance on the flash version for Zauri. This spacecraft combat game demonstrates the flawless Zunepad usage, enabling smooth and pleasant gaming experience. As mentioned earlier, this is just the beginning and we should look up patiently, for more titles to come around summer time.

zune-gaming-zauri

[via engadget]

Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft Zune – Game Demonstration →

Audio, Games, Media Players, News, Video

Microsoft Zune Gets Xbox 360 XNA Games

Microsoft inflames the masses, announcing games for Zune players, through XNA Studio 3.0. Although it is just an early announcement and most details are concealed, we know the games will be designed for both first and second Zune generation, with stress on trackpad capabilities in second-gen models. Zune owners will be able to play with their friends wirelessly, PSP style, though there are no plans for game sharing. XNA platform provides 2D graphics so don’t expect running Doom 3 or GTA IV on your Zune, but releasing a development kit might broaden the number of titles to offer. More details to be provided in Spring 2008.

zune-gaming

[via tech2]

Internet, News

Yahoo! Officialy Rejects Microsoft's Bid But The Story Isn't Over

yahoo-microsoft Yahoo’s board of directors officially decided to turn off Microsoft’s hostile acquisition offer for 44.6$ Billion, price that presented $31 per share, a week ago. The rejection adds 2% to Yahoo’s share, 0.2% to Google’s share and -2% reduction on Microsoft’s share. In a press release, Yahoo says the bid is substantially lower than its real value and refuses to consider any offer under 40$ per share.

…”Yahoo! Board of Directors has carefully reviewed Microsoft’s unsolicited proposal with Yahoo!’s management team and financial and legal advisors and has unanimously concluded that the proposal is not in the best interests of Yahoo! and our stockholders.”

“After careful evaluation, the Board believes that Microsoft’s proposal substantially undervalues Yahoo! including our global brand, large worldwide audience, significant recent investments in advertising platforms and future growth prospects, free cash flow and earnings potential, as well as our substantial unconsolidated investments.”

Continue reading Yahoo! Officialy Rejects Microsoft's Bid But The Story Isn't Over →

General, Media Players, Music

Microsoft Zune 8GB Gets Cheaper

Now it’s official, the Zune 8GB gets 20$ price cut, so you can find the player across the US for just $179. The reason for the latest discount wasn’t stated but I believe Microsoft wants to increase the competition with Apple’s iPod players. The reduction brings the Zune 4GB only 30$ away from the 8GB player, which makes it dispensable.

 zune-8gb-price-down

[via engadget]

Internet, News

Microsoft Wants To Acquire Yahoo For 44.6$ Billion

2 Comments

Rumors come true, Microsoft submitted an official offer to buy Yahoo for $44.6 Billion, price that presents $31 per share, 62% over Yahoo’s closing price, 19.18$. Microsoft is making tremendous efforts to carry out this deal, in order to stay a major internet player and to be able to compete Google in the growing online advertisement and searching markets. Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer said: “We have great respect for Yahoo!, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting set of solutions for consumers, publishers and advertisers while becoming better positioned to compete in the online services market.” The bid was submitted after Yahoo announced the cutting of 1,000 jobs and reported 8 consistent quarters of dropping shares value. With the anticipation for a difficult year, Yahoo’s board of directors might accept the offer, though we hear the company is not in a rush. Yahoo shares responded with increasing of 47.9%.

Update: Google is reluctant with current developments. Senior VP for Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer, David Drummond, has just posted a preliminary comment in Google’s official blog, attacking Microsoft for the hostile bid to acquire Yahoo and raises troubling questions:

“Could Microsoft now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC? While the Internet rewards competitive innovation, Microsoft has frequently sought to establish proprietary monopolies — and then leverage its dominance into new, adjacent markets.”

And more:

…”Could a combination of the two take advantage of a PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors’ email, IM, and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions — and consumers deserve satisfying answers.”

 

microsoft-yahoo

Media Players

The New Zunes Are Available In Stores

new zunes family

Over a month after being announced, the new zunes have landed on retailer’s shelves and ready for the big Christmas rush.

Microsoft has launched its new media player, alongside the various supporting accessories and the new social platform, where you can discover, share, and leave your musical mark in the Zune online community.

Also, Microsoft offers over 3 million songs, albums, DRM-free MP3s, music videos, audio/video podcasts and more, in the relaunched Zune Marketplace.

Zune Original If that’s not enough, Microsoft created a free of charge, customized laser-engraved designs, available for people who purchase the new Zunes just at the beginning of sells. To choose from the collection of the new laser-engraved designs, you can log into the new Zune Originals store, and pick your new engraved design. Other option is to engrave up to three lines of text at your choice.

Media Players

The New Zunes From Microsoft

A year after releasing the new Zune player to the market, and a month after Apple released its new iPod players, Microsoft is announcing on the second generation of the Zune.

The new Zunes have two main configurations – Hard Drive and Flash Drive players.

Hard drive Zunes – The Zune 80 – comes with 80GB of storage. Screen size has increased to 3.2″, thats 2 inch more than the first generation. It is much thinner than the first one, and it will be available in black color.

price – 250$

Flash Zunes – Zune 4 and Zune 8 – comes with 2 capacity storage: 4GB and 8GB respectively. This flash players, remind Apple’s first nano players, come with 1.8″ and will be available in red, black, pink and green colors.

prices – 150$ (4GB) , 200$ (8GB)

The new Zunes

Continue reading The New Zunes From Microsoft →