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

Microsoft has been craving for a piece of the search business for quite a while now. It tried and failed a number of times to purchase Yahoo and since that deal never took off Microsoft decided to create its own search engine from scratch. That’s how Bing came to life.

Microsoft’s Bing will fight against Google for search dominance. Microsoft will invest an impressive $80 million in advertising the new search engine. Will Microsoft succeed? Will we bing stuff instead of simply googling it? Will Apple even show up in Bing searches?

via advertising age

Tags: Bing, Google, Google, microsoft, microsoft, Search

Microsoft’s app store is on the way and we’ll be curios to see if it will be able to outperform Apple’s store. So far we’ve heard mixed news about Marketplace and we’d have to see the actual store to make our own mind. News about it keep coming in and today we have more info about the sharing policy for application purchased from the Marketplace for Mobile. It looks like Microsoft will allow buyers to install the apps on up to five phones. Say you reset your phone, then you will be able to reinstall your favorite Windows Mobile apps at no cost. An other scenario has you sharing the application with four more people. That’s great for us, but what about the developers. Don’t they lose money?

Well here’s what Microsoft says about the whole sharing situation:

Microsoft knows the frustration of losing favorite apps and personal information when you lose, upgrade, or add a phone. For this reason, if you buy an application on Windows Marketplace for Mobile, you’ll be able to reinstall the application on a limited number of additional phones simply and free of charge. As outlined in the terms of use for Windows Marketplace for Mobile, this ability is limited to phones owned by the person who purchased the application. Application sharing is not permitted. We believe people will find a high value in mobile applications they purchase through the Windows Marketplace, and we will also be offering a refund policy that will make it easier to shop for applications with confidence.

So there you have it folks. Microsoft Says NO to application sharing… Everyone should buy their own apps!

Tags: applications, marketplace, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, sharing, software, Windows Mobile

Windows 7 is around the corner so we might as well get used to its particularities. And look what we have here for you! It looks like Microsoft has designed a totally new logo for its new OS. And this flared logo is a concept totally different than what we have been seen so far from past Windows version. Truth be told, we don’t need a better logo. What we need is a better Windows version.

via windows lounge

Tags: Logo, microsoft, microsoft, Windows 7

The HTC Touch Pro2 isn’t commercially available anywhere yet. The world is waiting for master Microsoft to finish up that new Windows Mobile 6.5 OS. According to some rumors 6.5 is already finished and it looks and feels good. Unfortunately that’s not nearly enough for us.

But what if carriers started to display the Touch Pro2? Should we assume that the handset will be available soon? Should we assume that Microsoft has indeed finished Windows Mobile 6.5?

Vodafone UK is currently displaying the Touch Pro2 as the Touch Pro 2 under the business section of the website. There’s no price for the Pro 2 and no arrival date. The handset is coming soon, but we already knew that. Anyone particularly interested in buying a Windows Mobile 6.5 phone considering that the new iPhone or the Pre are coming soon too?

Tags: HTC, HTC, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Pro 2, Pro2, Touch, UK, Vodafone, Vodafone

Naturally Microsoft has gone ahead and denied all that Zune phone buzz from earlier today. Brian Seitz said that the rumors posted on that @officethemovie Twitter account are basically false:

That account is bunk. Not run by Microsoft so I would not put much stock in what they say. The real Office movie account is http://twitter.com/office2010movie.

It was fun while it lasted but from what we see here Microsoft isn’t denying the actual Zune phone so who knows what’s coming in the near future?

via Engadget

Tags: microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Phone, twitter, zune

We’re still recovering from that earlier Zune phone news and now we have to deal with another Microsoft project, the Pink, which, from the looks of it, it’s a smartphone. Now the Pink has some features available. The phone will have a 3.5-inch or even larger multitouch display, an ARM v6+ processor, OpenGL ES 2.0-compatible graphics, 256MB of RAM and 1GB or more of storage. We can also expect a 3 megapixel camera, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, a compass and an accelerometer. Think we’re done yet? We have even more leaked details for you! NVIDIA’s Tegra platform is also going to be part of the Pink project. TI’s OMAP 3 platform and Qualcomm 8k are also listed. Will Microsoft use all three of them?

That’s how Windows 7 Chasis 1 smartphones will look like but we can’t say for certain how will Microsoft bundle all those specs. According to previous rumors the Pink is not a phone but a project meant to bring Zune software and services to Windows Mobile. Should we assume that Windows Mobile 7 will come with lots of Pink features inside? Let’s hear it Mr. Ballmer? What will it be?

via zdnet

Tags: Chasis 1, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, OMAP 3, pink, qualcomm, Tegra, Windows 7, Windows Mobile 7, zune

It seems Microsoft has recently created a Twitter account to promote the impending release of their Office 2010 suite. But who cares about that, right? The real gem on this Twitter account is the following tweet:

June 2009 will be an important month for Zune lovers.

Which was promptly followed by:

New product launch, that’s all I’m allowed to say. Hold off from buying an iPhone/Pre.

So yes, it’s definitely safe to expect an announcement about a Zune phone right around Apple’s WWDC where a new iPhone is supposed to be announced. Let the sparks fly.

Tags: Apple, Cell Phones, iPhone, iPhone, microsoft, Mobile News, Palm, Palm Pre, rumor, twitter, wwdc, Zune Phone

Microsoft have brought out a new Facebook client for Windows Mobile phones, and you don’t have to wait for Windows Mobile 6.5 to use it. This free app works on any 6.0, 6.1 or 6.5 smartphone, touchscreen or non-touchscreen, and permits full messaging, photo and video uploads and integration with the handset’s phone features to make calls direct from Facebook profiles.

The Facebook client for Windows Mobile also allows you to amend and edit your profile as well as add status updates. Facebook already has a mobile version arranged for small smartphone and cellphone displays, but the functionality tends to be somewhat limited compared to the desktop interface.  This new application, which is an 871kb CAB file download, should make navigating the site more effortless for Windows Mobile users

Tags: application, Facebook, microsoft, microsoft, mobile, Phone, windows

It looks like the first Windows Mobile 6.5 running device is the Samsung i910 Omnia and not the Touch Pro2 or Touch Diamond2 from HTC. How is that possible you ask? Well it seems that a cooked up Windows Mobile 6.5 ROM is out there available to install on the Omnia. The custom ROM will strip the Verizon Wireless Samsung Omnia of some applications like VZ Navigator, VZ AppZone, Digital Frame, Shozu, Silver Inbox and more but it cludes various apps like Google Maps, the YouTube player and the WM 6.5 Facebook application.

In order to properly flash your device you’d better get your hands on an XP-powered machine with USB 2.0 port. Simply follow the link for specific installation details.

via modaco

Tags: microsoft, Mobile News, OMNIA, Portable Devices, ROM, Samsung, Samsung, Verizon, Verizon Wireless, Windows Mobile 6.5, xp

Microsoft’s Marketplace is slowly coming along. While Apple is enjoying over one billion downloads, Microsoft’s app store isn’t even available yet. But the store is open for developers now. All you need is you Windows Live ID, some valid taxpayer ID, bank account and $99 to begin your Marketplace business.

As soon as you get approved you can start submitting applications for Windows Mobile 6.5 and hope they will be included in the Marketplace. The submission guidelines are already available and you can check them out by following the link bellow.

via Microsoft

Tags: App Store, marketplace, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Windows Mobile 6.5

Despite having a great financial quarter and despite answering to Microsoft commercial campaign which shows everyone how a regular PC is just as good and way cheaper than a MacBook, Apple seems ready to do all that’s necessary in order to keep the customers interested in Apple laptops and desktops. Therefore the Cupertino-based company is willing to offer cheaper MacBooks and iMac lines in the near future while in the shadows the company will be working on a new tablet line meant to compete against those netbooks out there.

Apple still says no to an Apple netbook but all the signs point to a different directions. Rumors say that Apple and Verizon will be releasing an iPad this year while Quanta is delivering 10-inch displays to Apple. If it’s not an Apple netbook, what else could it be?

via AppleInsider

Tags: Apple, imac, iPad, MacBook, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, netbook, pc, Portable Devices, Quanta, Verizon

Windows Mobile 6.5 will come with a whole new voice command software. Microsoft Voice Command will be replaced by TellMe when the software will be ready to hit the stores later this year. TellMe is being integrated in Windows Mobile 6.5 but the software is already running on certain BlackBerry handsets or the Samsung Instinct.

TellMe will let you activate text messaging, phone dialing, traffic information, GPS data and searching via Microsoft Live search. And all that is done by voice which could be a great tool for busy people always on the go. The application will be available either for free in the Marketplace or already pre-installed on your future Windows Mobile 6.5 device.

via TellMe

Tags: marketplace, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, TellMe, Windows Mobile 6.5

While public availability will be staggered to May 5, the much-awaited Windows 7 release candidate will be available first to developers on the Microsoft Developers’ Network by the end of this month on April 30.  The news was announced by Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc on the Windows Team Blog recently and he had this to say:

There certainly has been a lot of discussion about Windows 7 in the last few weeks. A lot of folks want to know when they can get their hands on the official RC, when we are going to RTM, and what I had for breakfast.  I’m pleased to share that the RC is on track for April 30th for  download by MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Broader, public availability will begin on May 5th.

We will keep you posted when the Windows 7 RC is ready for download, so stay tuned

Tags: microsoft, Off The Topic, operating system, Release Candidate, Windows 7

We were expecting Windows Mobile 6.5 to be unveiled way ahead of the first phones capable of running the new OS. May 11 was said to be the day when that was all going to happen. Unfortunately we have to shut down your hopes and dreams as that’s not going to happen. Microsoft denied everything. It said that everything was misunderstood and Microsoft will only demo Windows Mobile 6.5 features and functionality. Or is Microsoft just pretending to deny the whole release?

via msdn

Tags: microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Windows Mobile 6.5

Microsoft has started a new advertising campaign in which it stresses out the usefulness of PCs and the better price they come with. Sure Apple are more popular but they are also more expensive. Apple didn’t wait around and it has shot four new “I’m a Mac” commercials:

• Time Traveler: in the year 2150 PCs still get errors
• Stacks: PC can’t find people’s faces in his photos. Too bad he doesn’t have that new recognition software from iPhoto.
• Legal Copy: PC is friendly and easy to use. Too bad there’s that huge text to read.
• Biohazard Suit: Macs don’t need anti-virus programs

So which one did you like better?

via Apple

Tags: ads, Apple, Commercial, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, Portable Devices

Is Windows 7 ready to be launched? Microsoft’s Partner Program website says that Windows 7 Release Candidate will arrive on May 5th. If that’s not a human error then you might indeed be able to get the RC release earlier than you were expecting. The final version is still scheduled for late 2009 or even early 2010 but by then you might be able to run the RC and test it out. Here’s what the Microsoft’s Partner Program says:

As the next-generation operating system from Microsoft, Windows 7 opens new development, sales, and services opportunities for your business. With Windows 7, you can offer your customers a robust foundation for high-quality experiences across applications, services, PCs, and devices. We are pleased to announce that Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) is available. Windows 7 RC is the prerelease version of Windows 7. Since this is not the final release, your PC will gather and send information to Microsoft engineers to help them check the fixes and changes made based on testing of Windows 7 Beta. Test-drive Windows 7 RC today to see for yourself—and to show your colleagues and customers—how Windows 7 delivers improved management, security, reliability, and performance. Download Windows 7 RC Partners: If you have a subscription to MSDN or TechNet, you can download Windows 7 RC now. Otherwise, you can download Windows 7 RC starting May 5, 2009.

Tags: May, microsoft, microsoft partner program, Mobile News, Release Candidate, Windows 7

We have been talking about the Zune HD lately and we have a specs list which might or might not impress you. Will you choose a Zune HD over an iPod touch? Let’s take a look at this Zune’s specs:

• ~3.6-inch OLED full touchscreen
• NVIDIA Tegra powered
• 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions
• HDMI Connection to stream straight to your TV
• HD Radio
• Web browser
• Wi-Fi compatible, with wireless marketplace
• Released, early fall
• International release of the Zune device itself
• Home AV packs, Car packs, Charge packs

Not to be picky and everything but I always wanted to listen to HD radio. Didn’t you? Would you buy it? We have no idea how much will Microsoft charge for it yet but we should know more this summer.

via Neowin

Tags: iPod Touch, microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, MP3 Player, Zune HD

After we’ve seen that almost cute Zune HD concept, we have more Zune-related news which also concerns the cell phone business. First and foremost, no Microsoft is not launching a Zune phone.

The new Pink service is about to be revealed as people say that Microsoft is talking to important ad agencies regarding this Zune software for mobile phones project. We don’t have the exact details so far but it’s suspected that Microsoft is going to make the Zune the preferred media software for all Windows Mobile phones. Does that require ad agencies to promote it? Is this such a big announcement? Is anything bigger in the works?

via CNET

Tags: microsoft, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Phone, pink, player, software, Windows Mobile, zune, Zune HD

Is Microsoft hiding something from us? Does it have a new Zune ready to face the iPod touch? Could it be turned into a phone like we kept hearing before the CES 2009?

The picture above shows a Zune HD which is a touchscreen PMP but we have no confirmation from Microsoft so far. We can expect the device to be ready to offer us a 720p-ready display with an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 which is one of two standard aspect ratio used by mainstream films. If such a device is coming soon, why not make it a phone? Microsoft?

via Engadget

Tags: microsoft, microsoft, Mobile News, PMP, Portable Devices, zune, Zune HD, Zune Phone