It seems that HTC has finally gotten fed up with Windows Mobile as rumors suggest that Android will be powering 50% of all their handsets in 2010.

But before they make the Android switch, HTC will reportedly be running Google’s OS on 30% of their 2009 handsets. I wonder how this is making Microsoft feel.

We’ve already seen the Hero and Click, what’s next?

Read (DigiTimes)

Tags: Android, Cell Phones, Click, Google, Hero, HTC, HTC, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, rumor, software, Windows Mobile

Having 256GB on a thumb drive may seem like a luxury to some and a necessity to others. Whatever the case, this thing is expensive.

For $900 you will be able to grab one of Kingston’s 256GB DataTraveler 300 thumb drives. It has compatibility for just about ever OS you can throw at it along with data transfers of 20MB/sec read and 10MB/sec write.

And just for clarification, this thing is $900, you can buy several terabytes worth of space for that kind of money. Then again, it always costs to be an early adopter.

Tags: 256gb, 300, datatraveler, Desktop PCs, flash drive, Laptops, microsoft, Mobile News, Portable Devices, storage, thumb drive

We have a new trial for you and this time it involves Tsera which claims that it has invented the touchpad and hence everyone else using it will have to pay for the privilege. Tsera says that Apple, Microsoft, LG, Philips, Bang & Olufsen, iriver, Coby, Cowon and Meizu are all in violation of a patent owned by the company. The patent is called “Methods and apparatus for controlling a portable electronic device using a touchpad.” And nobody has paid any money to Tsera for using the technology. Given the big names involved in this huge trial we should expect Tsera to walk away with lots of settlements cash in its pocket.

via The Register

Tags: Apple, Apple, bang & olufsen, coby, cowon, iRiver, LG, LG, Meizu, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Philips, Philips, trial, Tsera

Companies are really releasing all-in-one computers left and right now-a-days, first eMachines, then Dell, now Avaratec. What you see above it Avartec’s 22-inch D1005 all-in-one offering.

Other than its 22-inch display, this computer features a 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 3GB of RAM, a 320GB harddrive, slot-loading DVD burner, X4500HD GPU, Ethernet, WiFi, Vista Home Premium and a 2MP.

If you’re interested, you could pick up Avaratec’s D1005 all-in-one PC today for $799.

via Engadget

Tags: all-in-one, avaratec, d1005, Desktop PCs, dvd burner, ethernet, intel core 2 duo, microsoft, slot loading, software, vista home premium, WiFi, x4500hd

A few days ago we reported to you about eMachine’s latest all-in-one offering. Today, Dell has announced a similar product, although this one packs more of a punch. What you see above is Dell’s Vostro all-in-one desktop.

This all-in-one desktop will give buyers the option for either a Core 2 Duo or Pentium dual core processor, 2GB of RAM and a 160GB harddrive all at a starting price right around $629. Couple this with its 19-inch display and you have a none too bad desktop option all packed into a fashionable form factor.

While the Vostro all-in-one desktop is currently available in Japan and China now, expect it to be made available in North America on August 11th.

Read (Dell) via Engadget

Tags: all-in-one, core 2 duo, desktop, Desktop PCs, microsoft, pentium dual core, vostro

We have an interesting rumor for you and you will definitely love it if you’re a Windows Mobile fan. Microsoft has filed a trademark application for “OneApp” which should offer you “online retail store services facilitating the download of computer software for use on mobile phones, media players and other portable electronic devices.”

In the mean time we’re still waiting for Microsoft to make available that Marketplace. And since we hear that Microsoft is interested in also launching a music store we’ll be waiting for that too. Can we assume that OneApp will eventually offer apps, music and various similar content and take over any current Microsoft app store initiative? In other words, will the Marketplace be transformed into the OneApp which will subsequently be made available to virtually almost any connected gadget in your home? Nobody knows yet! And Microsoft isn’t saying a lot. All we have is a 6-letter word: OneApp.

Tags: App Store, Content, marketplace, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, music, OneApp, Windows Mobile

Some recent rumors point to a September release of new Acer smartphones. It looks like the company is ready to release a bunch of phones come this fall. The A1, C1/E1, F1 and L1. We’ve been waiting for Acer to make up its mind and announce at least a couple of the handsets mentioned above. The A1 for example will be an Android-powered smartphone while the F1 will be a Windows Mobile phone powered by that Snapdragon platform from Qualcomm. We’ll be waiting for Acer to confirm the rumors and offer us more details about these hot phones.

via DigiTimes

Tags: A1, Acer, Acer, Android, C1, E1, F1, Google, L1, microsoft, qualcomm, SnapDragon, Windows Mobile

Get ready for this — Microsoft has just announced that beginning in the fall they will be opening retail locations right next to Apple Stores:

And stay tuned, because we’re going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall. Stay tuned, just stay tuned.

Apple has a wide array of different products that they have developed in house while Microsoft is mainly a software developer. What exactly will these retail stores hold? Perhaps mobile phones, laptops and desktop PCs from different manufacturers?

Let the war begin!

Read (Gizmodo)

Tags: Apple, Apple, Cell Phones, Hardware, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, retail locations, software

Steve Ballmer has been known to make some rather colorful comments on everything from the iPhone to the Xbox 360’s Project Natal. This time however, Ballmer has kept his cool giving some comments on Google’s recently announced Chrome OS.

When question about the operating system Ballmer was quoted to have said, “I will be respectful, who knows what this thing is? To me, the Chrome OS thing is highly interesting.” Of course, what would a Ballmer comment be without just a dash of hostility? He then went on to say, “I don’t know if they can’t make up their mind or what the problem is over there, but the last time I checked, you don’t need two client operating systems. It’s good to have one.”

But wait Mr. Ballmer, aren’t you the CEO of a company that currently Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows CE and Windows Mobile on the market? No? OK, just checking.

Read (Yahoo!)

Tags: Android, Cell Phones, CEO, Chrome OS, Desktop PCs, Laptops, microsoft, Mobile Software, software, Steve Ballmer, Windows CE, Windows Mobile, windows vista, xp

Does this surprise anyone? Well, it is a bit surprising as this move comes a little late in the game. Microsoft is about to launch a music store/service for the Zune and possibly the Xbox. According to Peter Bale, the executive producer of MSN, Microsoft is “looking at launching a music streaming service imminently.” The new service should be available sometime in August and it’s apparently going to be similar to Spotify. Will cell phone users be able to use it too?

The service will probably be offered for free as long as users agree to listen to ads every half hour. Is Microsoft going to reinvent the whole iTunes concept? Nothing is clear so far and we’ll be looking forward to see Steve Ballmer explain this to the crowd.

via Joystiq

Tags: Apple, iTunes, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, music, Streaming Service, xbox, zune

Back in February, Microsoft unveiled their answer to Apple’s App Store appropriately named Windows Marketplace. Months have since passed and yet there still wasn’t a solid release window.

Luckily, Microsoft has today taken to the time to announce that the service will officially go live for handsets running Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 and 6.5 later this year. Furthermore, the company has also announced that they will begin accepting application submissions on July 27th.

Microsoft may be a late comer to the game with Apple, Google and Palm all launching their app services but considering there are ridiculous numbers of handsets running Windows Mobile, Windows Marketplace is sure to be a hit.

via EngadgetMobile

Tags: , 6.0, 6.5, app catalog, App Store, apps, Cell Phones, microsoft, Mobile Software, Windows Marketplace, Windows Mobile

The following news will leave a bitter sweet taste in your mouth. It’s not all good news but it isn’t that bad either. It looks like Verizon has finally caught up with the whole App Store trend and wants to launch one for itself. And considering its large subscribers base, I’m surprised Verizon hasn’t announced one earlier. But here’s where things take a turn for the worst. Apparently Verizon will not support any other App Store out there besides its own. That means Verizon customers will not have access to BlackBerry App World or Windows Mobile Marketplace right from the start. What’s even more disturbing is that developers will have to submit twice the same app for approval if they want to make sure that Verizon customers will purchase that certain app.

Verizon is promising a “competitive” revenue-sharing program and from what we hear, purchasing future Verizon apps will require no credit card entry. Payment will be done through the Verizon account of each customer. More details will be released on July 28 at the Verizon Developer Community Conference and we’ll deliver them right to your computer soon!

Tags: App Store, App World, BlackBerry, marketplace, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Research In Motion, Verizon, Verizon, Windows Mobile

Have you seen the last Palm Pre ad? Well just play the video above. “Go With The Flow” is the name of this simple ad campaign and it will not surprise you with anything. The Pre is a very dependable device but the ad doesn’t really let you see all that magic. Would you buy the Pre after viewing just that single ad? That’s of course assuming that you haven’t heard about the phone so far! The commercial is following that first Palm Pre ad, entitled “Flow”, which was more alive and definitely meant to make an impression. “Go With The Flow” will not be the kind of commercial you talk about with your friends. Nothing really happens in it.

On a different note, it looks like Palm wants to indirectly promote Microsoft’s new search engine, Bing. Is that the purpose of this ad? Will Google or Apple react in any way?

via PreCentral

Tags: Ad, Apple, Apple, Bing, Commercial, Google, Google, microsoft, microsoft, Palm, Palm, pre

Some time ago, Microsoft announced that they would be offering an online suit of Office web-apps that would mimic the functionality of the Google Docs suit of web apps. However, ever since the announcement we have heard virtually nothing of the online software.

However, today Microsoft has told us that the suite will include Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote and will be accessed for free given the user have a Live account. Furthmore, it was also made known that the software will begin closed testing today.

Any bets on the fact that it will only run on Internet Explorer?

Read (Gizmodo)

Tags: Desktop PCs, excle, google docs, Laptops, microsoft, Mobile News, office 2010, onenote, online, powerpoint, software, suite, word

If you’ve been dying to give Android a spin ever since it was announced to be a working PC OS but don’t want to sacrifice any of your files or time installing it, nows your chance.

LiveAndroid version 0.2 has recently been released to the public. This software is a LiveCD that will allow users to run the operating system without installing anything. All you do is download the LiveAndroid ISO, burn it onto a CD, reboot your PC and then run it.

Furthermore, the LiveAndroid team notifies us that you can also run the software in a virtualization app such as Microsoft Virtual PC or VirtualBox.

Read (LiveAndroid)

Tags: Android, Google, Laptops, live android, microsoft, microsoft virtual pc, Mobile Software, operating system, software, virtualbox, x86

Good news PC lovers, Microsoft is ready to send Windows 7 to manufacturers. Windows 7 will be officially announced at the Worldwide Partner Conference this week but apparently the RTM OS is already available. Just look for build 7600 if you happen to know your way around downloading stuff off the Internet. As you can see from the screenshot above, at least someone has gotten their hands on the final RTM build so you could be next. Not that we’re encouraging you to download and use illegal software or anything like that!

All we need to do know is to patiently wait for manufacturers to announce the first Windows 7 laptops and desktops. Anyone excited to buy a new Windows 7 PC?

via TechInvaders

Tags: Desktop PCs, desktops, Laptops, Laptops, Manufacturers, microsoft, microsoft, OS, pc, RTM, Windows 7

We all know how inconvenient Internet Explorer can be. In fact I bet that most of us have already tried plenty of alternatives and we have all found our favorite one. Whether it’s Mozilla, Safari or Chrome, Microsoft knows them to well and it’s surely unhappy that its customers would choose these Internet browsers over IE. That’s why it looks like the company is working on a new browser, the Gazelle, capable to go head to head against Google’s Chrome. What do you guys think? Should we trust Microsoft’s Gazelle? Should we expect a mobile version of it too?

via CNET

Tags: Chrome, Gazelle, internet explorer, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile Software, Mozilla, safari

While you’re still deciding if you want a new Archos 9 tablet, UK customers can already know what to expect from Archos. The manufacturer announced the pricing system for the UK. The Archos 9 will come in two versions: 80GB and 160GB. These will cost around $735 and $816, respectively, and according to the latest available rumors the tablet is coming sometime in September. That’s earlier than expected since Windows 7 is going to be officially out on October 22. And the Archos 9 is going to have Windows 7 under the hood. You do the math! And while you’re at it, figure out a way to get the money for the Archos 9 in these weird financial times.

via stuff.tv

Tags: Archos 9, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Portable Devices, tablet, UK, Windows 7

Well sure it’s a Microsoft phone you’ll say, it will run some sort of Windows Mobile version on it! That’s true but what I mean is that the phone appears to be Microsoft-branded. Could this Pink smartphone project be the first Microsoft phone? Microsoft denied more than once that it’s working on an own mobile device but what if that changed?

Sure maybe Microsoft will not call it a Zune phone in which case the company was awfully right when declaring that no Zune phone is going to be created soon. The Pink phone is said to run on Windows Mobile 7 and we can expect some sort of custom UI on top of the regular OS. Pink is also said to be a Sidekick-like phone and it could be manufactured by Sharp or Motorola. Unfortunately we don’t have any hot details about it!

A lot of questions come to mind but we shall leave them unanswered for now. We’ll be waiting for someone to leak that Pink-related ad campaign that Microsoft is reportedly working on.

Tags: microsoft, microsoft, Motorola, Motorola, pink, Sharp, Sharp, Windows Mobile 7, zune

Skype version 3.0 has just been released for handsets running Windows Mobile and adds 2 highly sought after features.

First of all, Skype version 3.0 will allow users to send pretty much any type of file they please to other Skype users for free, over a WiFi connection of course. Futhermore, version 3.0 adds the ability to send SMS messages to other cellphones also free of charge over a WiFi connection.

Skype really made a splash when it was first released for the iPhone and with this new Windows Mobile version 3.0 it only looks to improve.

Read (Skype)

Tags: 3.0, Cell Phones, file transfer, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Skype, SMS, VoIP, Windows Mobile