Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Students Create Smartphone App Capable of Detecting Malaria]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/09/students-create-smartphone-app-capable-of-detecting-malaria/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/09/students-create-smartphone-app-capable-of-detecting-malaria/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/09/students-create-smartphone-app-capable-of-detecting-malaria/#comments child testing for malaria A group of grad students has come up with a way to instantly diagnose malaria, using only a smartphone and some fancy software.

The team, comprised of students from around the nation, developed the prototype using a Samsung Focus smartphone, running Windows 7. After adding a microscopic camera lens to the phone, the students developed software capable of analyzing and scanning blood for malaria parasites. With the app installed on the phone, doctors or nurses could theoretically take a photo of any blood sample, and instantly know whether or not a patient is infected with malaria, and how severe the case may be.

Continue reading Students Create Smartphone App Capable of Detecting Malaria

SwitchedStudents Create Smartphone App Capable of Detecting Malaria originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appscellphonesdoctorhealthmalariamicroscopeMicrosoftsmartphonesstudentstesttopSat, 09 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a Free Month of Hulu Plus Just for Using IE9]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/free-hulu-plus-just-use-internet-explorer-9/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/free-hulu-plus-just-use-internet-explorer-9/http://www.switched.com/2011/04/01/free-hulu-plus-just-use-internet-explorer-9/#commentsMicrosoft and Hulu are offering a pretty sweet deal: Visit Hulu.com/Plus with Internet Explorer 9, and you'll be offered a free, one-month trial of Hulu Plus simply for pinning the site to your taskbar. It's a significant improvement over the normal one-week trial, and all you have to do is stare at an extra icon for a little while.

SwitchedGet a Free Month of Hulu Plus Just for Using IE9 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huluhulu plusHuluPlusIEIE9internet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsofttopwebFri, 01 Apr 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Files Antitrust Complaint Against Google in E.U. Court]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-files-antitrust-complaint-against-google/#comments google sign A decade after fighting a major antitrust lawsuit, Microsoft has filed exactly the same charges against Google. Today, the company will file a formal antitrust complaint with the European Union, joining a collection of small companies that have already made similar charges against the search giant.

Microsoft is hoping that the E.U. will take some action against Google, and perhaps convince regulators in the U.S to do the same. In Europe, several small Internet firms have filed charges against Google, arguing that the company's search engine unfairly favors its own products, thereby hindering competition.

Continue reading Microsoft Files Antitrust Complaint Against Google in E.U. Court

SwitchedMicrosoft Files Antitrust Complaint Against Google in E.U. Court originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingantitrustBingbusinessEuropeanUniongooglelawsuitMicrosoftmoneypoliticssearchtopWebyoutubeThu, 31 Mar 2011 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Stitches Together Cell Phone Photos to Create 3-D Models]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/microsoft-app-makes-3-d-models-from-cell-phone-photos/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/microsoft-app-makes-3-d-models-from-cell-phone-photos/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/23/microsoft-app-makes-3-d-models-from-cell-phone-photos/#comments 3-D Model Microsoft researchers have whipped up an impressive new cell phone app that turns camera-phone snapshots into 3-D models. The app is similar to Microsoft's Photosynth, which stitches together images to recreate 3-D environments. But Photosynth simply created the illusion of 3-D; this new project actually analyzes images, and maps depth by comparing how objects appear in different photos.

Creating the model is as simple as walking around an object while taking pictures. Larger objects, such as a car, can require up to 40 images, while smaller ones, such as a guitar or a cake, can need less than 20. Those shots are sent to that mysterious place known as "the cloud," where they're analyzed and pieced together to create a (relatively) seamless 3-D model. The model can be downloaded and explored right on the phone. (Swiping your finger around spins the model.)

Continue reading Microsoft Stitches Together Cell Phone Photos to Create 3-D Models

SwitchedMicrosoft Stitches Together Cell Phone Photos to Create 3-D Models originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-d3d3dModelingappscellphonesmicrosoftphotographytopWed, 23 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Microsoft More Ethical Than Google, Facebook or Apple]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/report-microsoft-more-ethical-than-google-facebook-or-apple/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/report-microsoft-more-ethical-than-google-facebook-or-apple/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/18/report-microsoft-more-ethical-than-google-facebook-or-apple/#commentsMicrosoft may not be worth as much money as Apple, but according to a new think-tank report, it's way more ethically sound. This year, the corporation earned a spot on Ethisphere's list of the 'World's Most Ethical Companies,' beating out Apple, Facebook, and Google. It's certainly a far cry from the late '90s, when Microsoft faced antitrust trials and accusations of corporate tyranny. But the company's "corporate citizenship" campaign may have done a lot to change its image.

SwitchedReport: Microsoft More Ethical Than Google, Facebook or Apple originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApplebusinesscompaniesethicsfacebookgooglemicrosofttopFri, 18 Mar 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[The Zune (What's That Again?) Kicks It]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/15/microsoft-kills-off-zune-player/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/15/microsoft-kills-off-zune-player/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/15/microsoft-kills-off-zune-player/#commentsSad news for the Zune guy and the three other people who care about Microsoft's long-embattled MP3 player: The company has halted production. Less than five years after rolling out its intended iPod killer, Microsoft has said that they will not be making any new Zune players.

Since its release in 2006, the Zune struggled to reach any sort of market share when it turned out that appearing five years behind the iPod can be a, uh, handicap. And its small, if rabid, fanbase was hardly enough to unseat Apple's dominance (or, as we saw last year, even enter the general parlance).

Continue reading The Zune (What's That Again?) Kicks It

SwitchedThe Zune (What's That Again?) Kicks It originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft zuneMicrosoftZunepavtopwebzuneTue, 15 Mar 2011 11:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing's Tactless Tsunami Tweet Provokes Twitter Rage]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/14/bing-japan-tsunami-tweet-sparks-twitter-outrage/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/14/bing-japan-tsunami-tweet-sparks-twitter-outrage/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/14/bing-japan-tsunami-tweet-sparks-twitter-outrage/#comments bing's japan tweet Did we learn nothing from Kenneth Cole's tasteless Twitter gaffe? Or is Microsoft just employing the same marketing brain trusts?

Japan is on everyone's mind --at least, we hope -- and the tech giant's flacks haven't ignored that. Saturday morning, a message of hope callow douchebaggery came out of the official Bing Twitter account: "How you can #SupportJapan -For every retweet, bing will give $1 to Japan quake victims, up to $100K."

Continue reading Bing's Tactless Tsunami Tweet Provokes Twitter Rage

SwitchedBing's Tactless Tsunami Tweet Provokes Twitter Rage originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binggaffesjapanjapan earthquakejapan tsunamiJapanEarthquakeJapanTsunamijerksMicrosoftSocialNetworkingtoptwitterMon, 14 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Embrace Your Inner Furry: Microsoft Patents 'Fringe Interests' Dating Service]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/12/microsoft-patents-fringe-interests-dating-service-for-embracin/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/12/microsoft-patents-fringe-interests-dating-service-for-embracin/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/12/microsoft-patents-fringe-interests-dating-service-for-embracin/#commentsAn ingenious idea: Let those with "incongruous" dating appetites admit their kinks and quirks quietly, and, when no one is looking, have a match service pair them with potentially like-minded weirdos mates. Microsoft filed a patent in 2009 -- but made public last week -- for its own online dating service, with an algorithm into which users can secretly enter "private affinities," thus matching up with people of similar "fringe interests" (especially those conflicting with the user's public persona). The example of "interests" Microsoft refers to is, of course, people who dig comic books. Yeah, COMIC BOOKS. Wink-nudge.

While there's no news as to whether or not this service will ever become a reality, it'd be interesting to see an online dating system that lets singles be more honest and forthright. The patent reads: "Most users of such conventional systems understand that any affinity (or other information) included in an associated profile or space can be viewed by any third party who accesses that profile. This situation can substantially serve as a chilling effect on self expression or at least result in a profile that is a less accurate or less comprehensive representation of the associated user."

Continue reading Embrace Your Inner Furry: Microsoft Patents 'Fringe Interests' Dating Service

SwitchedEmbrace Your Inner Furry: Microsoft Patents 'Fringe Interests' Dating Service originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet datingInternetDatingKinkskinkymicrosoftonline datingOnlineDatingpatentsocialnetworkingtopwebSat, 12 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Guide to Private Browsing]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/03/08/how-to-browse-privately-chrome-safari-firefox-ie/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/08/how-to-browse-privately-chrome-safari-firefox-ie/http://www.switched.com/2011/03/08/how-to-browse-privately-chrome-safari-firefox-ie/#comments surprised man on computer InPrivate, Incognito, Private Browsing -- whatever they want to brand it -- all modern browsers offer a special mode designed to keep what you do online a secret from prying eyes. Despite different names and origins at different companies, they all work in basically similar ways: A new browser session is created that operates separately from your existing one, with its own history and cookies that are erased when the window is closed. And though it can keep a snoop from seeing what sites you've visited by going through your history, it doesn't make you anonymous on the Web. Advertisers and law enforcement will still be able to track you.

Continue reading Your Guide to Private Browsing

SwitchedYour Guide to Private Browsing originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebenefits+of+private+browsing+safaribenefitsofprivatebrowsingsafaribrowsingchromefeaturesfirefoxgoogleIEIncognitoInPrivateinternet explorerInternetExplorermicrosoftmozillaoperaporn modePornModeprivacyprivate browsingPrivateBrowsingsafaritipstopwebTue, 08 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing Shows Facebook Friend 'Likes' in Search Results]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/25/bing-shows-facebook-friend-likes-in-search-results/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/25/bing-shows-facebook-friend-likes-in-search-results/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/25/bing-shows-facebook-friend-likes-in-search-results/#comments bing search results Bing now displays your Facebook friends who have "liked" a link in its search results. If you're searching for a restaurant in New Orleans, for example, and a friend has publicly "liked" one, then you'll see his or her photo and name below the link. Even those of us with the most extensive friends lists won't find "liked" links in every search result, though. Still, this new feature should give content publishers more incentive to share on Facebook, since doing so will likely generate more hits in Bing's search results, thanks to what amounts to free endorsements from Facebook users.

SwitchedBing Shows Facebook Friend 'Likes' in Search Results originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BingfacebookmicrosoftsearchSearchEnginesSearchResultsSocialNetworkingtopFri, 25 Feb 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 1,000 Nokia Employees Walk Out in Protest of WP7 Switch]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/over-1-000-nokia-employees-walk-out-in-protest-of-wp7-switch/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/over-1-000-nokia-employees-walk-out-in-protest-of-wp7-switch/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/over-1-000-nokia-employees-walk-out-in-protest-of-wp7-switch/#commentsNokia Employees Walk Out Looks like some Nokia employees -- specifically those that work specifically on the now-dead Symbian platform -- are not particularly happy about the switch to Windows Phone 7. Over 1,000 employees at the company's Tampere and Oulu offices in Finland decided to use their flextime to leave work early today in protest of the move. Maybe they'll use the time to bone up on their Windows Phone developer skills.

SwitchedOver 1,000 Nokia Employees Walk Out in Protest of WP7 Switch originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonesmicrosoftnokiasymbiantopwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Adopts Windows Phone 7, Kills Off Symbian OS]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/nokia-adopts-windows-phone-7-kills-off-symbian-os/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/nokia-adopts-windows-phone-7-kills-off-symbian-os/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/11/nokia-adopts-windows-phone-7-kills-off-symbian-os/#commentsNokia and Microsoft It's no secret that Nokia has been in trouble for some time -- especially in the U.S. market, where Symbian (its smartphone OS of choice) just didn't enjoy the same success that it did in Europe. The problem has only gotten worse with the advent of Android and iOS, truly modern smartphone operating systems that make Symbian look like a quaint mess from a bygone era. MeeGo, a project that saw Intel and Nokia join forces on a Linux-based mobile OS, was supposed to take over for Symbian, but development has been slow and Nokia ran out of patience. Today, the struggling mobile phone company, once the number one seller of cell phones worldwide, announced that its primary focus would now be on Windows Phone 7-based handsets. The partnership goes beyond simply shoehorning Microsoft's mobile OS into Nokia's beautifully built phones. Obviously, Bing and Microsoft's adCenter will be featured heavily on the handset, and Nokia intends to build "on top of the platform" using its particular areas of expertise, which includes imaging. (Nokia phones are renowned for taking top-notch photos.)

Other services will also get joined together. OviMaps will be integrated with Bing Maps to improve Microsoft's offering, and Nokia's content store will be folded into Microsoft's Marketplace. As you would expect, both Office and Xbox Live will also be making their way to Nokia handsets. The announcement is exciting, not because it means there will yet another Windows Phone maker on the market, but because Nokia will actively work with Microsoft to improve the mobile OS, and expand the ecosystem in a legitimate attempt to challenge Android and iOS. Watch the full announcement after the break.

Continue reading Nokia Adopts Windows Phone 7, Kills Off Symbian OS

SwitchedNokia Adopts Windows Phone 7, Kills Off Symbian OS originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bingcellphonesmicrosoftnokiaofficeovimapssymbiantopwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7xbox liveXboxLiveFri, 11 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Feature Film Downloads Skyrocket, Surpass TV Streams]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/feature-film-downloads-skyrocket-surpass-tv-streams/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/feature-film-downloads-skyrocket-surpass-tv-streams/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/08/feature-film-downloads-skyrocket-surpass-tv-streams/#commentsDownloadable Movies In 2010, sales and rentals of feature-length films online climbed a stunning 38-percent, with U.S. consumers spending a grand total of $385 million on downloadable and streaming movies. By contrast, only $366 million was spent to purchase or rent television shows online, marking the first time that movie downloads have surpassed that of TV. As the market has grown, Apple's dominance has started to slip. Whereas in 2009 iTunes movie downloads accounted for 74.4-percent of all sales, in 2010 it had dropped to 64.5-percent, largely thanks to increased competition from Microsoft and Sony who both saw sales of films through their respective game consoles increase. Another major player in the field, Amazon, came in behind Vudu in online sales and rentals, which may explain why the company is expected to shift to a subscription-based service similar to Netflix.

SwitchedFeature Film Downloads Skyrocket, Surpass TV Streams originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleMicrosoftmoviesnetflixsonystreaming mediaStreamingMediatopwebTue, 08 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Internet Explorer Flaw Affects All Versions, Every User]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/internet-explorer-mhtml-flaw-affects-all-versions/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/internet-explorer-mhtml-flaw-affects-all-versions/http://www.switched.com/2011/02/01/internet-explorer-mhtml-flaw-affects-all-versions/#commentsinternet explorer logo
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On Friday, Microsoft announced it had discovered a security flaw in Internet Explorer, used by over 900 million people, that could potentially affect every single user of the browser, regardless of version, on Windows XP, Vista and 7. The flaw rests with how the browser handles MHTML files. Microsoft said an attacker could use a simple HTML link to launch malicious code that could collect user data or redirect the browser to phishing sites. Microsoft has released a temporary security patch that simply blocks attempts to use the exploit, but it does not actually fix the flaw. While IE fans are busy installing hacked-together patches for a serious security flaw that, according to Ars Technica, was reported back in 2007, those using alternative browsers like Chrome, Firefox and Opera are sitting pretty. In addition to being just plain better, faster browsers, they're also more secure. In fact, Safari, Chrome and Firefox don't even support MHTML files, a weird Web format cooked up by Microsoft back in 1999 that allowed webpages to be saved to a single file, even if they contained elements normally separated from HTML, like Flash video and images.

If you must use Internet Explorer (and we know some of you have no choice), we strongly suggest you install the temporary fix (found here) now. If you have a choice, though, we continue to urge you to pick an IE alternative. You'll not only be safer, but you'll probably have a much more pleasant browsing experience.

SwitchedNew Internet Explorer Flaw Affects All Versions, Every User originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internet explorerInternetExplorermhtmlmicrosoftpcsecuritytopwebwindowsTue, 01 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live Tags 11-Year-Old Autistic Boy a 'Cheater']]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/27/julius-jackson-autistic-labeled-cheater-on-xbox/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/27/julius-jackson-autistic-labeled-cheater-on-xbox/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/27/julius-jackson-autistic-labeled-cheater-on-xbox/#commentsxbox cheater Update: According to the Twitter feed of XBLA's Director of Policy and Enforcement Stephen Toulouse, the account was "illegitimately modified" and Julius' mother has since been contacted.

The Rainman of 'Halo,' 11-year-old Julius Jackson is apparently a video game whiz. The boy, whose mother says he usually masters games in three to four days, is autistic, and reaches to his Xbox both to socialize and to feel a sense of accomplishment. Having racked up more than 1,500 trophies and accomplishments, Julius, his mother Jennifer Zdenek says, counts the system as "[p]retty much his only friend... because of autism."

It's understandable, then, that, when Julius logged in last week to see his Xbox Live account labeled "cheater," he was devastated. Not only were all of his achievements gone, but he now has a permanent brand under his gamer tag. Julius told local FOX affiliate Q13, "They steal my achievements. They steal all my achievements, that took me, like, 200 days." His mother claims that the mistake occurred because of his innate ability to game, but the scarlet letter of gaming had already been imprinted on the young boy.

Continue reading Xbox Live Tags 11-Year-Old Autistic Boy a 'Cheater'

SwitchedXbox Live Tags 11-Year-Old Autistic Boy a 'Cheater' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autismcheatergamingJuliusJacksonkidsmicrosofttopXBLAXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 27 Jan 2011 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Complete Guide to Windows Security]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/26/complete-guide-to-windows-security-apps/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/26/complete-guide-to-windows-security-apps/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/26/complete-guide-to-windows-security-apps/#commentsWindows Security We want to make one thing clear: we're not picking on Windows. But, the truth is, for a number of different reasons, keeping Microsoft's OS safe requires more thought and effort than other systems. Entailing more than hackers and viruses, being secure means protecting your privacy, securing your data, and ensuring that your account passwords are as robust as possible (and not written down on Post-Its carelessly stuck to your monitor). We've assembled this guide to walk you through all the major categories of security software, illustrating what they do and why you need them. We'll even offer a few of our favorite free tools to help get you started.

Note: our picks are hardly exhaustive, and no amount of security software can replace good habits, like keeping your OS up-to-date, running regular scans, and avoiding scams that bypass security software and prey directly upon your gullibility. With that said, even the most paranoid and cautious of us occasionally get caught in the crosshairs of a hacker, or get infected by a virus. Read on to ensure you've got the best contingency plan for when good instincts just fail.

Continue reading Your Complete Guide to Windows Security

SwitchedYour Complete Guide to Windows Security originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antivirusappsavgccleanercomodoeraserfirewallhamachiHijackThiskeepasslastpassmalwarebytesmicrosoftMicrosoftSecurityEssentialspcprivacysecurityspybottoptrucryptvpnwebwindowsWindowsFirewallWindowsVpnWed, 26 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dispatches from CES: 'Wall Street,' Balloon Porn and a Nasty Case of Gastroenteritis]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/08/best-of-ces-aee-day-2-porn-touch-mouse/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/08/best-of-ces-aee-day-2-porn-touch-mouse/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/08/best-of-ces-aee-day-2-porn-touch-mouse/#comments Like Cinderella's magnificent chariot turning back into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight, the wondrous luster of CES quickly transformed into a big, rotten vegetable as we entered Day Two. Maybe it was the fact that the whole Switched crew came down with violent food poisoning (we're looking at you, CES-provided media luncheon), or maybe it was the fact that, despite its metastasizing breadth, CES has a whole lot less to offer this year. We sipped our electrolytes and nibbled our Saltines before hitting the convention floor, determined to find the digital diamonds in the rough -- nausea be damned.

Continue reading Dispatches from CES: 'Wall Street,' Balloon Porn and a Nasty Case of Gastroenteritis

SwitchedDispatches from CES: 'Wall Street,' Balloon Porn and a Nasty Case of Gastroenteritis originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeeBaz LuhrmannBazLuhrmannbestoftherestBlu-Rayces 2011Ces2011Cyberdynelalomellyloonmemjetmemjet printerMemjetPrinterMichael MannMichaelMannMicrosoft Touch MouseMicrosoftTouchMouseoliver stoneOliverStonevsex.comSat, 08 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Ring of Death? Blame Your Kinect (Maybe)]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/kinect-red-ring-of-death/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/kinect-red-ring-of-death/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/06/kinect-red-ring-of-death/#commentsKinect Causing Red Ring of Death Gamers have found a new culprit in the great battle against the red ring o' death (or RRoD, for those in the know). Some consumers have told the BBC that they blame the Kinect for the death of their consoles, many of which began failing shortly after they were connected to Microsoft's new motion controller. This isn't just a few disgruntled customers in the U.K., either; gamers around the world are claiming in forums that the Kinect killed their Xboxes. Most frustrating for these consumers, who largely blame the Microsoft-manufactured accessory for the RRoD, is that many older consoles are no longer covered under warranty, and that Microsoft will not replace or repair them free of charge.

Microsoft told the BBC that it was merely a coincidence that the consoles happened to come down with a bad case of the RRoDs after connecting to the Kinect. The controller is "designed to work with every Xbox 360 sold to date," the company said. "There is no correlation between the three flashing red lights error and the Kinect." We're inclined to believe Microsoft, as being confronted with the RRoD is practically guaranteed with older Xbox 360s. That, however, isn't going to make frustrated customers feel any better.

SwitchedRed Ring of Death? Blame Your Kinect (Maybe) originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamingkinectmicrosoftRedRingOfDeathrrodtopXbox360Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Where to Watch Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's CES Keynote]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-steve-ballmer-ces-keynote/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-steve-ballmer-ces-keynote/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-steve-ballmer-ces-keynote/#commentssteve ballmer keynote at CESLast year's CES keynote from Microsoft's Steve Ballmer was marked by power outages and a tease of the HP Slate. This year, our money is on yet another Windows tablet and maybe even a sneak peek of Windows 8, the next generation of the company's OS. In a blatant play for Facebook hits, Microsoft requires you to tap 'Like' on its Facebook page to view the livestream. If you'd rather not, head over to Microsoft's official page to watch 'Like'-free at 9:30 EST.

SwitchedWhere to Watch Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's CES Keynote originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft keynoteMicrosoftKeynotesteve ballmerSteveBallmerWed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotmail's Mysterious Disappearing E-Mails Returning to Users' Inboxes]]>http://www.switched.com/2011/01/03/hotmail-emails-disappearing/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/03/hotmail-emails-disappearing/http://www.switched.com/2011/01/03/hotmail-emails-disappearing/#comments Many Hotmail users across the world reported over the weekend that their e-mails had been mysteriously deleted. Over the past couple of days, Microsoft's official forums were filled with complaints from users claiming that their inboxes and all of their folders had been emptied, with some suspecting that their accounts had been hacked. Microsoft's Hotmail technical team has acknowledged that it's aware of the issue, and that it's working to restore access for those affected. A Microsoft spokeswoman, however, told the BBC that the problem was not widespread. Check out DownloadSquad for more.

Continue reading Hotmail's Mysterious Disappearing E-Mails Returning to Users' Inboxes

SwitchedHotmail's Mysterious Disappearing E-Mails Returning to Users' Inboxes originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emailhackhotmailinboxMicrosoftsecuritytopwebMon, 03 Jan 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Media Player Thinks George W. Bush Memoir is an Anti-Bush Album]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/30/windows-media-player-thinks-george-w-bush-memoir-is-an-anti-bus/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/30/windows-media-player-thinks-george-w-bush-memoir-is-an-anti-bus/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/30/windows-media-player-thinks-george-w-bush-memoir-is-an-anti-bus/#commentsIf you happened to have purchased George W. Bush's new 'Decision Points' audiobook (and let's be honest, who hasn't?), you may have noticed some curious chapter titles when you synced it with your PC. Instead of scrolling through Dubya's lovably punchy chapters, like 'Running,' 'Personnel,' or 'Stem Cells,' you may have seen tracks named 'Weapon of Fear,' 'Bush It,' and 'Innocent Children Die.' If you did, don't panic, because Bush still isn't that honest and those aren't the real chapter titles. They're just some of the tracks off of an anti-Bush protest album from 2007, called 'George W. Bush.'

How could this happen? Well, whenever you import an audio CD into your computer's library, your software will usually scan the information on the disc, send a query to a database (like Gracenote), and automatically display a tracklist. It's a generally accurate procedure, but every now and then, an album can get mislabeled, simply because certain software can confuse similarly named artists, or titles. And that, apparently, is what happened to Bush's memoir.

Continue reading Windows Media Player Thinks George W. Bush Memoir is an Anti-Bush Album

SwitchedWindows Media Player Thinks George W. Bush Memoir is an Anti-Bush Album originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 15:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albumaudiobooksbookschaptersdecision pointsDecisionPointsgeorge w. bushGeorgeW.Bushgeorgewbushmicrosoftmusicpoliticsprotesttopwindowswindows media playerWindowsMediaPlayerThu, 30 Dec 2010 15:12:00 EST<![CDATA[People Admire Bill Gates More Than the Dalai Lama, Pope, Glenn Beck]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/28/bill-gates-admired-more-dalai-lama-pope/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/28/bill-gates-admired-more-dalai-lama-pope/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/28/bill-gates-admired-more-dalai-lama-pope/#commentsThe Dalai Lama and Pope Benedict XVI are two of the most lauded men in the world, but, according to a recent USAToday/Gallup poll, neither man is quite as admirable as Bill Gates. The Microsoft co-founder ranked fifth in this year's 'Most Admired Man' poll, behind Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, who topped the list for the third consecutive year. On the women's side, Hillary Clinton took home the crown for the ninth consecutive year, with Sarah Palin and Oprah Winfrey coming in second and third, respectively.

A full 2-percent of respondents selected Gates as their most admired man, compared with 1-percent who chose him in 2008. His "admirability" may not be as high as it was in 2005, when Time anointed him 'Man of the Year,' but it's still considerable enough for Gates to beat out the likes of the Dalai Lama, the Pope, Jimmy Carter and Reverend Billy Graham. Gates even beat out Glenn Beck, who tied for eighth place. But watch out, Bill. We all know how Beck treats multi-billionaire philanthropists.

You can find the full results, and some interesting historical comparisons here,

Continue reading People Admire Bill Gates More Than the Dalai Lama, Pope, Glenn Beck

SwitchedPeople Admire Bill Gates More Than the Dalai Lama, Pope, Glenn Beck originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BarackObamaBillGatescelebritiesDalaiLamaGallupGlennBeckMicrosoftMostAdmiredManpollsPopeBenedictXvitopTue, 28 Dec 2010 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[IE Bug Gives Hackers Control Over Your PC, Microsoft Offers Band-Aid]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/23/internet-explorer-bug-gives-hackers-control-pc/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/23/internet-explorer-bug-gives-hackers-control-pc/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/23/internet-explorer-bug-gives-hackers-control-pc/#commentsMicrosoft has discovered a new vulnerability in its Internet Explorer browser that could allow hackers to take control over unprotected PCs. The new bug, which was discovered in all versions of the browser, exposes Explorer's memory management system. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow hackers and cybercriminals to inject their own malicious code into a given computer and seize control of it. Microsoft says the code required to exploit the hole has already been published, but it appears that no high-tech criminals are currently using it.

Microsoft had previously issued browser updates to improve memory management and security, but researchers discovered that the updated systems are not always used when older parts of Windows are used. In a statement, the company said it was "investigating" the bug, and recommended that customers use the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit to protect themselves until a permanent fix is installed.

Continue reading IE Bug Gives Hackers Control Over Your PC, Microsoft Offers Band-Aid

SwitchedIE Bug Gives Hackers Control Over Your PC, Microsoft Offers Band-Aid originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsbrowserbugcybercrimeInternetExplorerMicrosoftsecuritytopvulnerabilitywebThu, 23 Dec 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA['My Blackberry Is Not Working' Skit Puns on Tech's Fruity Gadget Names]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/21/my-blackberry-is-not-working-skit-puns-on-techs-fruity-gadget/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/21/my-blackberry-is-not-working-skit-puns-on-techs-fruity-gadget/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/21/my-blackberry-is-not-working-skit-puns-on-techs-fruity-gadget/#comments Tech-related comedy is usually painfully awkward (e.g., any number of 'I'm a Mac' spoofs), but the BBC's sketch comedy 'The One Ronnie' may have pulled it off in a recent skit. Comedians Harry Enfield and Ronnie Corbet delightfully take on the tech industry's obsession with fruit, and throw in a few dongle, Windows and Microsoft jokes for good measure.

Continue reading 'My Blackberry Is Not Working' Skit Puns on Tech's Fruity Gadget Names

Switched'My Blackberry Is Not Working' Skit Puns on Tech's Fruity Gadget Names originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbccomedyharry enfieldHarryEnfieldrimronnie corbetRonnieCorbetthe one ronnieTheOneRonnietopTue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Speller Challenge to Award $10,000 for a Better Spell Checker]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/17/microsoft-spell-checker-10-000-reward/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/17/microsoft-spell-checker-10-000-reward/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/17/microsoft-spell-checker-10-000-reward/#commentsSpeller Challenge Microsoft wants to make a better spell check and it's willing to pay $10,000 to the person or persons that can "build the best speller that proposes the most plausible spelling alternatives for each search query." The Microsoft Speller Challenge officially launches on January 17, 2011. Eligible participants (over 18, not a Microsoft employee and not living in Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria) will be able to download a data set from Microsoft to start hacking away on their creations. The final product must deliver its spelling suggestions via the RESTful API, a protocol for delivering information over the Web. All entries must be in by May 27.

Though Microsoft hasn't stated exactly how it intends to use the winning entry, the contest is being sponsored by Bing, implying that it may end up as part of a search tool similar to Google's Suggest and search term correction. It could also end up powering a new cloud-based spell checker for Office that updates without the need for downloading software patches. If you've got the chops, make sure visit the registration page on January 17.

SwitchedMicrosoft Speller Challenge to Award $10,000 for a Better Spell Checker originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crowdsourcingmicrosoftspell checkSpellCheckspeller challengeSpellerChallengetopwebFri, 17 Dec 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Security Essentials Hits Version 2]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/17/microsoft-security-essentials-version-2/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/17/microsoft-security-essentials-version-2/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/17/microsoft-security-essentials-version-2/#commentsMicrosoft Security Essentials Microsoft's Security Essentials has officially reached version 2. Ever since its launch last year, MSE has been a favorite among free security software connoisseurs. It's consistently ranked alongside the best paid anti-virus options out there in terms of detection and removal. And it basically blows its free competitors out of the water. The latest version adds an improved heuristic detection engine for weeding out threats that haven't been positively identified yet. It also integrates with Windows Firewall and Windows Filtering Platform (the latter is Vista and Windows 7-only) for protection both from the Web and on local networks. If you've already installed Security Essentials you should find a notice to upgrade under the app's update tab. If you haven't downloaded MSE yet, well then, what are you waiting for? Head over here and grab the latest version to protect your computer for free.

SwitchedMicrosoft Security Essentials Hits Version 2 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsmicrosoftMicrosoft Security EssentialsMicrosoftSecurityEssentialspcsecuritytopwindowsFri, 17 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ah, Finally. Kinect Porn Has Arrived, Thanks to ThriXXX]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/16/kinect-porn-thrixxx-3-d-porn/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/16/kinect-porn-thrixxx-3-d-porn/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/16/kinect-porn-thrixxx-3-d-porn/#comments Well, it was inevitable. The second we start augmenting reality, using our bodies as controllers, and bringing our physical spaces into video games, we are immediately going to start thinking of virtual sex. The porn industry is no slouch when it comes to getting with the technological times, but, with the Kinect and gesture-based game play, video game booty is the clear next step.

So developer ThriXXX, which specializes in 3-D pornography, has successfully done it. Using Kinect's open-source drivers, the company (whose other titles include '3D Sex Villa and 'Gamerotica') now lets gamers interact with a girl on-screen using nothing other than their hands. On-screen girls (no guys yet) react to touch and gestures, a bit like an X-rated Kinectimals. A rather graphic, certainly NSFW demonstration can be seen on ThriXXX's website; YouTube obviously took it down.

Continue reading Ah, Finally. Kinect Porn Has Arrived, Thanks to ThriXXX

SwitchedAh, Finally. Kinect Porn Has Arrived, Thanks to ThriXXX originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectkinect-hacksKinectPornMicrosoftKinectpornsexthrixxxtopThu, 16 Dec 2010 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Why You Shouldn't Use Outlook Rules to Intercept Your Boss's E-mails]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/16/why-you-shouldnt-use-outlook-rules-intercept-your-bosss-e-mail/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/16/why-you-shouldnt-use-outlook-rules-intercept-your-bosss-e-mail/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/16/why-you-shouldnt-use-outlook-rules-intercept-your-bosss-e-mail/#commentsBig surprise! Turns out that forwarding your boss's e-mail to yourself with Outlook rules is quite illegal. Ars Technica reports that David Szymuszkiewicz, now a former IRS worker, learned this the hard way after being convicted on wiretapping charges under the U.S. Wiretap Act.

Already in hot water for driving drunk with a suspended license, Szymuszkiewic's job required he drive to the homes of delinquent tax payers. Out of fear for his job, Szymuszkiewicz set up a rule on his supervisor Nella Infusino's Outlook application that forwarded any e-mails sent to her. These messages were forwarded to Szymuszkiewicz's inbox, and filed away in a personal folder. Infusino eventually discovered the rule three years later after being trained on the e-mail app.

Continue reading Why You Shouldn't Use Outlook Rules to Intercept Your Boss's E-mails

SwitchedWhy You Shouldn't Use Outlook Rules to Intercept Your Boss's E-mails originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimeDavid SzymuszkiewiczDavidSzymuszkiewicze-mailemailmicrosoft outlookMicrosoftOutlookoutlooktopwiretappingThu, 16 Dec 2010 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[IE9's 'Tracking Protection' Lets Users Block Third-Party Sites From Tracking Them]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/08/internet-explorer-9-tracking-protection-privacy/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/08/internet-explorer-9-tracking-protection-privacy/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/08/internet-explorer-9-tracking-protection-privacy/#comments
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The next version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer will come with a new feature that allows users to block third-party companies from tracking their online behavior. The new tool, called Tracking Protection, will be included in Internet Explorer 9, which will be released next year. Users will be able to create their own lists of targeted sites. The browser will then automatically block these sites from collecting information via cookies and other tracking mechanisms. Lists can be manually constructed by individual users, or by consumer advocacy groups, which can then make their own lists available for download.

Microsoft's announcement comes just a few days after the Federal Trade Commission publicly called for an online 'Do Not Track List,' which is essentially what Explorer's new feature allows users to create. In a statement, FTC chairman Jon Leibowitz lauded Microsoft for applying the privacy principles his commission has endorsed. "Microsoft deserves enormous credit for taking a critical step toward providing consumers with more choice about who can track their online browsing," Leibowitz said. "Just as important, this announcement proves that technology is available to let consumers control tracking."

Continue reading IE9's 'Tracking Protection' Lets Users Block Third-Party Sites From Tracking Them

SwitchedIE9's 'Tracking Protection' Lets Users Block Third-Party Sites From Tracking Them originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbrowserDoNotTrackftcInternetExplorerInternetExplorer9MicrosoftprivacytoptrackingWebWed, 08 Dec 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Hacks, Vol. II: Robots, Quadrocopters and an Invisibility Cloak]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/08/kinect-hacks-vol-ii-microsoft/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/08/kinect-hacks-vol-ii-microsoft/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/08/kinect-hacks-vol-ii-microsoft/#commentsKinect Controlled Robot The modding and hacking community is simply having a field day with Microsoft's Kinect. It was just a couple of weeks ago that we highlighted a few of the fun and impressive things that people much smarter than us were doing with the latest in motion-controlled gaming peripherals. But those innovations already look simplistic next to the crazy things being cooked up in living rooms and labs across the country. The Kinect has been connected with impressive gesture controls and robots far more advanced than Roombas; even invisibility is possible with the aid of its depth-sensitive cameras and some fancy software. Keep reading after the break for a few recent Kinect hacks that got our attention.

Continue reading Kinect Hacks, Vol. II: Robots, Quadrocopters and an Invisibility Cloak

SwitchedKinect Hacks, Vol. II: Robots, Quadrocopters and an Invisibility Cloak originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diygaminghackskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinecttopxbox360Wed, 08 Dec 2010 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/5-best-laptops-guide-budget-to-big-ticket/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/5-best-laptops-guide-budget-to-big-ticket/http://www.switched.com/2010/12/07/5-best-laptops-guide-budget-to-big-ticket/#commentsBest Laptop Guide
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Despite the fact that most Americans have been doing it for at least a decade, buying a laptop is getting increasingly difficult. A laptop makes a great gift if you don't mind splurging a bit for somebody, but the range of models available and the minuscule differences between them make navigating the crowded notebook scene a daunting task. Before we go any further, let us explain why you won't find this list overrun with Macs. Chances are, if you want a Mac, you know it already; all you have to do is decide how much money you want to spend. Problem solved! This guide is for those that are negotiating the murky but well-stocked PC market. Now that we've got that cleared up, let's move on to our suggestions, broken up by price.

Continue reading 6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket

Switched6 Brilliant Laptops, From Budget to Big-Ticket originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dellDell XPS 14DellXps14featuresGatewaygateway nv seriesGatewayNvSerieshggHP Envyhp envy 17HP PavilionHP Pavilion dm4HpEnvyHpEnvy17HpPavilionHpPavilionDm4laptopsmacbook proMacbookProshoppingthinkpadthinkpad x201ThinkpadX201Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Kinect Outpacing iPad in Sales (and Injuries)]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/30/microsoft-kinect-outpacing-ipad-2-5-million-sold-and-injuries/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/30/microsoft-kinect-outpacing-ipad-2-5-million-sold-and-injuries/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/30/microsoft-kinect-outpacing-ipad-2-5-million-sold-and-injuries/#commentsMicrosoft Kinect The Xbox 360's Kinect motion-control system provoked comical moments of ungainly, destructive gaming immediately upon its release. Thankfully (for those with a predilection for schadenfreude), that oafish hilarity has continued at an almost exponential rate. Well, Microsoft just revealed a significant reason for the abundance of Kinect casualties, and it relates to the Kinect's market success.

According to Ars Technica, eager consumers purchased 2.5 million Kinect units during the product's first 25 days on the market. Microsoft executive Don Mattrick reportedly indicated that the company intends to "expedite production and shipments of Kinect to restock shelves as fast as possible to keep up with demand." He also believes the company is "on pace to reach [Microsoft's] forecast of 5 million units sold to consumers this holiday," which now seems like an easily attainable projection.

Continue reading Microsoft Kinect Outpacing iPad in Sales (and Injuries)

SwitchedMicrosoft Kinect Outpacing iPad in Sales (and Injuries) originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessgaminghggkinectmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotioncontrollertopvideogamesXbox-360Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Murdoch Tries to Keep Google Out of Times Office, Fails]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/29/rupert-murdoch-switch-to-bing-google-ban/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/29/rupert-murdoch-switch-to-bing-google-ban/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/29/rupert-murdoch-switch-to-bing-google-ban/#commentsRupert Murdoch really wanted his new Sunday Times office to be Google-free. So, he decided to set all of his employees' homepages to Bing (Microsoft's chess champ to Google's high school quarterback), which, coincidentally enough, has received plenty of support from the media mogul. It wasn't long, though, before his underlings staged a peaceful revolution. "None of us knows how to use [Bing]," one employee told the Independent. "So we all had to waste our first day resetting our home pages to Google." But if his employees really needed a full day to reset their homepages, search engines may be the least of Murdoch's workplace concerns.

SwitchedMurdoch Tries to Keep Google Out of Times Office, Fails originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BingbrowsergooglejournalismmediamicrosoftRupertMurdochSearchEnginesSundayTimestopwebMon, 29 Nov 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Retail Outlets Mystify Consumers]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/28/microsoft-retail-outlets-mystify-consumers/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/28/microsoft-retail-outlets-mystify-consumers/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/28/microsoft-retail-outlets-mystify-consumers/#commentsMicrosoft Store When Microsoft opened its first branded store last year, it was assumed that the company was serious about combating Apple and the retail juggernaut it's become. But, as malls across the country teem with consumers toting the signature white Apple shopping bags, Microsoft appears to be drawing significantly less interest. After the Los Angeles Times monitored both the Apple and Microsoft stores in the Mission Viejo mall for a half hour, it counted six times more Apple patrons leave with purchases than the Microsoft store. When interviewed, many people leaving the Microsoft shop seemed confused as to why it even existed.

Customers noted that most of what the Microsoft store had to offer could be purchased at places like Best Buy, frequently with lower prices. The Apple store, with its proprietary iron grip, offers a number of exclusive products that can't be found in other retailers. Without exclusivity, variety or low prices, there is little to lure consumers to the Microsoft outlets. (Another advantage for Apple is its vague and elusive "cool factor," which analyst Phil Baker says that Microsoft lacks). It's entirely possible that the retail stores are only meant to improve Microsoft's brand visibility, rather than compete with Apple. But only Microsoft knows for sure.

Continue reading Microsoft Retail Outlets Mystify Consumers

SwitchedMicrosoft Retail Outlets Mystify Consumers originally appeared on Switched on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleStoremicrosoftmicrosoft storeMicrosoftStoreretailshoppingtopSun, 28 Nov 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Cloud Connect Brings Docs Features to Office]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/22/google-cloud-connect-brings-docs-features-to-microsoft-office/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/22/google-cloud-connect-brings-docs-features-to-microsoft-office/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/22/google-cloud-connect-brings-docs-features-to-microsoft-office/#commentsGoogle Cloud Connect Rather than continue to try and kick down the front door of Microsoft Office, Google is sneaking around the back. Google Cloud Connect is an Office add-on that syncs all your Office docs for easy viewing and sharing online. It even brings real-time collaboration and revision control to Office 2003, 2007 and 2010. You can sign up for early access here.

SwitchedGoogle Cloud Connect Brings Docs Features to Office originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgoogleGoogleCloudConnectGoogleDocsmicrosoftMicrosoftOfficeofficetopwebMon, 22 Nov 2010 17:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect's Second Life: 5 Awesome Hacks, from Puppets to KinectBots]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/20/xbox-kinect-hacks-mods-puppets-to-robots/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/20/xbox-kinect-hacks-mods-puppets-to-robots/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/20/xbox-kinect-hacks-mods-puppets-to-robots/#commentsKinect-Equipped Roomba
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The Kinect hasn't exactly wowed gamers, and reviews of the add-on have been tepid at best. Still, the rather elaborate motion-controller for the Xbox 360 has found fans among the hacking community, thanks to its impressive array of cameras and sensors. Resourceful modders have hooked the device up to computers, created elaborate shadow puppets and mapped 3-D models of rooms. Read on to check out a few of our favorite Kinect hacks floating around the Web.

Continue reading Kinect's Second Life: 5 Awesome Hacks, from Puppets to KinectBots

SwitchedKinect's Second Life: 5 Awesome Hacks, from Puppets to KinectBots originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaminghackkinectmicrosoftmoddingtopxbox 360xbox kinectXbox360XboxKinectSat, 20 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Monitoring Could Usher New Era of Personalized Gaming]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/kinect-monitoring-could-usher-new-era-of-personalized-gaming/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/kinect-monitoring-could-usher-new-era-of-personalized-gaming/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/15/kinect-monitoring-could-usher-new-era-of-personalized-gaming/#commentsxbox kinect Xbox Kinect users have already provided the world with numerous demonstrations of ungainly goofiness. According to Engadget, Kinect doesn't just offer unbridled moments of uncoordinated motion-control hilarity, though. Microsoft exec Dennis Durkin believes the system possesses powerful targeted advertising capabilities. While gamers naively flail and lunge, the Kinect system could conceivably monitor the room, and intimately analyze everyone in range so that Microsoft can determine "what content gets presented to you based on who you are."

At a recent investment summit, Durkin reportedly touted the benefits of Kinect monitoring, particularly its ability to scrutinize emotions, responses, gameplay and -- yes -- even attire. Microsoft has attempted to quell the inevitable '1984' paranoia by stating: "Xbox 360 and Xbox Live do not use any information captured by Kinect for advertising targeting purposes." Despite the privacy concerns, the Kinect's targeting capabilities could herald the arrival of revolutionary, personally stylized gaming. Microsoft contends that Kinect could help players to "improve performance" through style analysis, and "help plan new experiences" by scrutinizing their playing histories.

Continue reading Kinect Monitoring Could Usher New Era of Personalized Gaming

SwitchedKinect Monitoring Could Usher New Era of Personalized Gaming originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BehavioralAdvertisinggamingmicrosoftprivacyTargetedAdvertisingtopXbox-360XboxKinectMon, 15 Nov 2010 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Has Katy Perry Put Out for Free, Won't Even Buy the Booze]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/katy-perry-microsoft-windows-phone-7-launch/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/katy-perry-microsoft-windows-phone-7-launch/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/katy-perry-microsoft-windows-phone-7-launch/#comments
katy perry
As part of Monday's Windows Phone 7 launch, Katy Perry brought her Candy-Land-porno burlesque to the Roseland Ballroom in New York. You couldn't have marched us there with a shotgun in our backs -- Microsoft even refused to dole out free hooch! A bunch of dead-sober adults forced to watch to Perry lip-sync 'California Gurls' with no Snoop Dogg in tow? No wonder Microsoft only sold 40,000 units.

Gallery: Katy Perry at Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Concert

SwitchedMicrosoft Has Katy Perry Put Out for Free, Won't Even Buy the Booze originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritiesKaty PerryKatyPerrymicrosoftwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Kinect Causes More Physical Harm, Thins Out the Herd]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/xbox-kinect-injuries-videos/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/xbox-kinect-injuries-videos/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/10/xbox-kinect-injuries-videos/#commentskinect injuries Last week, we discovered that the Xbox Kinect had already claimed its first victim less than 24 hours after landing on shelves in the U.S. -- and, since then, there have been many more casualties. Here's a kid taking a vicious left elbow to the face. Here's an aunt belligerently reminding her nephew who's boss. Here's a brave gamer looking ridiculous -- and miserably failing to land a 360(?) on 'Sonic Free Riders.' BuzzFeed has collected a few more for your viewing pleasure, and Kotaku has a pretty gruesome photo of a guy who somehow managed to slice his hand open during a game of Kinect volleyball. Yes, these people exist.

Continue reading Xbox Kinect Causes More Physical Harm, Thins Out the Herd

SwitchedXbox Kinect Causes More Physical Harm, Thins Out the Herd originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentembarrassingfailgaminginjurykinectlolzmicrosofttopVideoGamesxboxXboxKinectWed, 10 Nov 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 Now Available, Heats Up U.S. Smartphone Competition]]>http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-microsoft-now-available/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-microsoft-now-available/http://www.switched.com/2010/11/08/windows-phone-7-microsoft-now-available/#comments Congratulations, Microsoft! You've finally shaken off the shackles of your aging mobile OS, and joined the class of modern smartphones with Windows Phone 7 (WP7). Starting today, WP7-powered devices are available though Microsoft retail channels, on Amazon, and from AT&T and T-Mobile. T-Mobile customers have only one choice right now for WP7 devices: the HTC HD7. It packs a large 4.3-inch touchscreen and an HD video camera -- basically an Evo loaded with WP7 and T-Mobile-friendly radios. AT&T customers can choose between two models: the HTC Surround, which hides a pair of slide-out speakers behind its 3.8-inch screen; and the Samsung Focus, which is like a WP7-outfitted Galaxy S, and sports the Galaxy's same 4-inch Super AMOLED screen.

Outside of size and a few hardware features, the current crop of WP7 devices are more or less the same. They all pack 800x480 screens that match high-end Android devices, 5-megapixel cameras that can shoot HD video, and 1 Ghz processors that push the pretty interface and plow through data from your social networking accounts. The similarity might be an intentional move on the part of Microsoft, as the company's ad campaign argues that we're too involved with our phones. WP7 is designed to tell you what you need to know at a glance; the subdued UI displays the most relevant information right up front.

Continue reading Windows Phone 7 Now Available, Heats Up U.S. Smartphone Competition

SwitchedWindows Phone 7 Now Available, Heats Up U.S. Smartphone Competition originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsattCellPhoneshtcmicrosoftsamsungt-mobiletopWindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 08 Nov 2010 14:20:00 EST