If you’re looking for a Windows Mobile alternative to the stock web browser, Mozilla’s recently released Fennec Alpha 2 may be of interest to you. In essence, Fennec is the mobile version of Firefox. Of course, it’s in an Alpha stage right now so expect some bugs.

Below are the improvements to Alpha 2 over Alpha 1:

• Improved panning performance
• Newly designed theme
• JavaScript error console is now built in
• Improved add-on support
• Numerous bug fixes
• Improved UI polish

Despite Fennec Alpha 1 only being available for HTC Touch Pro users, Alpha 2 has been made available for anyone and everyone running Windows Mobile 6.

Download it here.

Tags: alpha 2, Cell Phones, fennec, Firefox, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Mozilla, software, windows mobile 6

After you’ve seen the Sense UI in action you should also know that HTC has a new TouchFlo version coming up. The TouchFlo 3D 2.5 also known as the Manila will apparently be available on the Firestone in the near future.

Manila comes with new features like a new home screen with support for Footprints and up to nine apps shortcuts. There’s also faster access to calendar and alarm access. A new settings screen will let you customize the phone without getting you the feeling that you’re still handling a Windows Mobile device.

With these in mind we’ll be waiting for the HTC Firestone to see get more details. In the mean time you can check out the demo video above and choose between the Sense or the TouchFlo.

via pocketnow

Tags: Firestone, HTC, HTC, Manila, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Portable Devices, Sense UI, TouchFlo, Windows Mobile

Netbooks are known for their small form factor, making them the perfect computers to carry with you wherever you go (if your cell phone isn’t enough, that is). However, they are also known to usually be absent of any CD/DVD drive making it a hassle to install any software that retails on a disc.

Well, to combat this, it’s rumored that Microsoft will not only sell Windows 7 on normal CDs, they will also offer them on thumb drives, making it virtually pain free to install on a netbook.

While this remains a rumor at this point the source comes from CNET so I’d say there is a pretty good chance of it happening.

Tags: Laptops, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, thumb drive, usb flash drive, Windows 7

On Wednesday we got the first batch of Zune HD rumors that stated there would be 16GB/32GB models along with the fact that it would be coming on August 8th. Despite those remaining unconfirmed, more Zune HD rumors continue to trickle out.

This time around we hear that in addition to the 16GB/32GB models, consumers will also have a 64GB model to choose from at some point down the road. As for a price point, rumor has it the 16GB base model (or whatever size it actually comes in) will be had for anywhere between $249 and $280.

More excitingly, this batch of rumors also points to the fact that the Zune HD will support 720p video through its HDMI out. Again, take these how you will until we have official confirmation from Microsoft themselves.

Tags: 64gb, 720p, hdmi, microsoft, Mobile News, MP3 Players, Portable Devices, price point, Zune HD

According to some recent rumor Microsoft will apparently be launching the new Zune player on September 8. The Zune HD will come in two versions, 16GB and 32GB and it will pack a powerful Tegra processor and an OLED screen. We knew the Tegra chipset bit and we were expecting the Zune HD to arrive in two versions. The OLED screen is pretty much logical too so now we only need pricing. Are the new Zune HD models be more expensive or cheaper than the current iPod touch? Anyone getting a Zune HD this fall?

via Gizmodo

Tags: iPod Touch, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, nvidia, OLED, Portable Devices, rumor, Tegra, Zune HD

Microsoft has just sent out a friendly reminder that those currently running the Windows 7 beta or are looking to get their hands on the RC, better act fast.

Starting on July 1st the Windows 7 beta that was released some time ago will begin rebooting ever 2 hours and on August 1st be rendered completely useless. The RC on the other hand will work until the operating system’s official release.

So again, if you’re running the Windows 7 beta, switch to the RC, and if you haven’t downloaded the RC yet and want to, do it now.

Read (The Windows Blog)

Tags: Beta, Desktop PCs, Laptops, microsoft, operating system, rc, Release Candidate, software, Windows 7

You have been probably waiting for Adobe to finish its Flash 10 for smartphones already but the company doesn’t have a final version just yet. Good news though, that Flash 10 is going to be available by the end of the year, at least in beta. According to its latest earnings presentation Flash 10 beta for smartphone will be available sometime in October. The software will be available for smartphones made by Nokia and Palm or running Google and Microsoft OS.

via blogcdn

Tags: adobe, Beta, Flash 10, Google, Google, Microsof, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Nokia, Nokia, Palm, Palm

Are you sitting down folks? Because this is going to be legendary! That’s right you heard me right the first time. Microsoft is going to sell its famous Windows XP all the way through 2011. The company doesn’t seem ready to discontinue it especially since so many netbooks are using the OS and probably some netbooks to come are going to also keep using it. Microsoft was going to discontinue XP after April 23, 2010 but it looks like that it’s all history. The Windows XP downgrade option will be available to everyone interested in it. That way Microsoft is making sure that besides Windows 7, which isn’t out yet, it will have a pretty dependable OS to offer. After all, nobody will want to get a Vista downgrade if they don’t like 7, will they?

Tags: 2011, 7, delay, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile Software, netbooks, vista, xp

Microsoft have substantiated that the upcoming Zune HD touchscreen PMP will use NVIDIA’s high-definition capable Tegra chipset. Official Zune Insider podcast, product team member and show host Matt Akers disclosed that the rumors about the use of Tegra’s chipset were true and described the Zune HD with the NVIDIA chipset as “like a mini laptop in your hand.”

Akers also shared that there is “much better battery life” and graphics acceleration, both advantages of Tegra by NVIDIA. The chipset offers 1080p video output thru an HDMI port, together with multiple power-saving features and hardware graphics acceleration. We’ll have to wait until September, when the Microsoft Zune HD is rumored to launch.

Tags: high-definition capable, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, nvidia, PMP, Tegra chipset, Zune HD

LG has recently come forth and announced their latest smartphone, the GM550 (pictured above).

This phone has pretty much everything you would expect from a modern smartphone: Windows Mobile 6.1, full QWERTY keyboard, 3MP camera, 2.4-inch display, 7.2Mbps HSDPA and a 1300 mAh battery.

Unfortunately there is no word on pricing or availability but even if it hits overseas first its “global 3G” will give US users the ability to use it on virtually any carrier they choose.

Read

Tags: 3mp camera, Business, Cell Phones, global 3g, gm550, HSDPA, LG, microsoft, Mobile News, Qwerty keyboard, smartphone, Windows Mobile 6.1

Huawei has announced two new smartphones at CommunicAsia 2009, the U8230 and the C8000. The first one is an Android-powered device which will feature a 3.5-inch touchscreen, a 3.2 megapixel camera and an impressive 1500 mAh battery. The second one is of course a Windows Mobile phone. It has a smaller 2.8-inch touchscreen, an extra 3D UI, an independent media-related display adapter and a battery capable of 6-8 hours of media playback. Will these features be enough for Huawei to conquer any mobile market? The phones will be available in both Asia and Europe in the second half of the year but we still have to wait for prices.

via vnunet

Tags: Android, C8000, communicasia, Google, huawei, microsoft, Other Brands, U8320, Windows Mobile

Microsoft is really looking to shine in the consumers eye recently announcing that for every completed download of Internet Explorer 8 the will donate 8 meals (or $1.15) to the Feeding America Network.

This promotion is apparantly called ‘Browser for the Better’ and will run from June 10th to August 8th so if you’re looking to get some meals donated you better get downloading.

Sure, Microsoft still holds the top spot in browser market share but with more and more people switching to alternatives such as Google Chrome and Mozilla’s Firefox will this ‘Browser for the Beter’ program help sway the market back into their favor? Only time will tell.

Oh, did I mention that in order to promote the ‘Browser for the Better’ promotion Microsoft rounded up some artists to construct the Empire State Building and Golden Gate Bridge with food cans? No? Check the image above.

Read (Neowin)

Tags: browser for the better, charity, google chrome, internet explorer 8, microsoft, Mozilla Firefox, software, web browser

Internet Explorer should never be your favorite choice for an Internet browser. Sorry Microsoft, but as long as there are better, faster, more dependable alternatives, IE will always lose. And it seems that even Microsoft is willing to confirm that there are better browsing choices as it’s not going to include IE in the future Windows 7.

Microsoft has miraculously found a way to take IE out of Windows 7 in order not to get a huge fine. The European Union told Microsoft to remove IE from Windows 7 or to include competitor’s browsers in Windows 7 and Microsoft agreed. In fact Microsoft will add browsers from the competition so we’re bound to see Opera, Mozilla and Google in Windows 7. What do you say folks? What browser will you choose?

Tags: browser, Google, internet explorer, microsoft, Mobile News, Mozilla, Opera, Windows 7

It looks like some Microsoft employees will have to do their work by other means other than the use of iPhones, Blackberries and Palm Pres. Seen as a cost-cutting measure, Microsoft will be cutting off the data service plans of Microsoft employees in what is being claimed as a cost-cutting measure. There are no exceptions and this includes business-related data service plans. So you can imagine how Microsoft employees are feeling right now.

Microsoft had already downsized their manpower some months back but it seems that this is not enough to help the company in its faltering performance. Unfair as it may seem, the only thing that current employees can look at is that they still have a job. Only the perks and tools they need in being productive are being hit and unfortunately, this is their means of communication.

This is likely to strike many Microsoft employees as more than a bit unfair. Many rely on their plans to get vital work done for the company–and, if the company simply must cut data plan subsidies, they should, many would argue, cut them for everyone instead of just those who do not use Microsoft products.

(Source) Neowin

Tags: blackberries, Business, iPhone, iPhone, job, manpower, means of communication, microsoft, microsoft, microsoft cuts, microsoft employees, microsoft products, Mobile News, Palm, Palm, subsidies, subsidy plan

Microsoft has been known for some colorful TV advertisements, especially those garnered towards Vista, but I think they are really onto something with the above Bing ad.

Recently released to, obviously, market their revamped and re-engineered search engine, Bing’s first TV ad focuses on taking all of the fuss and confusion (I didn’t know there way any?) out of using an online search engine.

They are obviously targeting Google with their whole “no more search overload” slogan so let’s see how this ad has an impact on which search engine users decide to use.

Tags: advertisement, Bing, competition, competitor, Google, microsoft, microsoft, online, search engine, television

Back in February, Windows 7 was rumored to be hitting retail sometime in September. Well, Microsoft has just release official word that the OS’ final version will in fact be available to the public on October 22nd.

So, come October 22nd, we will finally get the chance to see if Microsoft will be able to break free of its tarnished reputation due to early versions of Windows Vista.

In reality I think it will go something like this: Windows enthusiasts will love it, Mac enthusiasts will hate it and Linux enthusiasts will laugh at both of them.

Read (WSJ)

Tags: Business, Desktop PCs, Linux, mac os x, microsoft, release date, software, Windows 7, windows vista

A new phone is ready to be unveiled by Samsung and this time we’re talking about a Giorgio Armani smarphone set to be launched on June 11. The whole event will be taking place in Milan and we’re rather curios to see what new device has Samsung came up with. All that we know about it so far is that the new phone will run Windows Mobile. So we’ll just have to pay special attention to it in a few weeks when it will become available.

via Samsunghub

Tags: Giorgio Armani, microsoft, Milan, Samsung, Samsung, Windows Mobile

Fortunately, we did have an inkling as to what could be revealed come June 11, and if it takes a union between Samsung and Italian designer Giorgio Armani to churn out an actual fashionphone that’s smart too, we have no objections to it.  The OS in question is also pretty much confirmed with Microsoft’s name popping up in the press conference, but what remains to be seen is if the device will run Windows Mobile 6.5 or the current 6.1 version and what other goodies it hides other than the fashion points its bound to carry.  We will be here to find out and let you know when all is revealed this June 11.

(more…)

Tags: armani, Cell Phones, microsoft, Samsung, Windows Mobile 6.5

Sexy build, awesome screen, great responsive UI, that’s what the guy in the video is all about, and oh, a generous sprinkling of “pretty standard” for virtually everything he tests out in the clip.  Microsoft seems to have learned a lot from its first Zune PMP and the improvements really do show in the Zune HD.  Now, if they could only manage to keep the price low, the Zune HD will surely have a major chance at being the next iPod Touch.  Watch the video and enjoy!

Zune HD Video Hands On from Gizmodo on Vimeo.

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Tags: hands-on video, microsoft, MP3 Players, Portable Devices, Zune HD

Remember those Zune HD rumors from a while back ago? Well it looks like the device is really real. Microsoft has announced the Zune HD today and here’s what you can expect from it: 3.3-inch OLED capacitive touchscreen display, built-in HD radio and HD output. We could have some surprises when it comes to apps and games specially conceived for the Zune HD but we don’t have any precise details just yet.

We do know that the Xbox and Xbox Live will get Zune integration and the Zune marketplace will be filled with Live video resources. E3 should bring more information about the Zune HD’s capabilities and extra features. Microsoft is waiting for E3 to reveal more:

attendees will see first-hand how Zune integrates into Xbox LIVE creating a game-changing entertainment experience

By fall you should definitely be able to get the new Zune HD. Just in case you don’t want an iPod instead.

Tags: hd, marketplace, microsoft, microsoft, MP3 Players, Portable Devices, xbox, Xbox Live, zune